nAtanas Uzunov: The Revolutionary Who Stepped into Levski’s Shoes
The death of Vasil Levski in 1873 left Bulgaria’s revolutionary movement in disarray. Disagreements between domestic and emigrant leaders resurfaced, and the organization desperately needed a figure to carry on Levski’s work within the contry. Enter Atanas Uzunov, a young and energetic teacher from Sliven, who was seen as the potential successor to the Apostle of Freedom.
Born in 1851 in Edirne, Uzunov lost his mother at an early age. His father, Tsvetko Uzunov, moved the family to Constantinople, where Atanas attended a Greek school until around 1865. It was here that his revolutionary spirit began to take shape, influenced by classmates like Panayot Volov, Sava Gerenov, and Mikhail Grekov-Bessarabian, who had participated in the Second Bulgarian Legion in 1867.
In 1871, Uzunov arrived in Bulgaria, initially visiting his sister Anastasia Zhelyazkova in Kalofer. Later that year, he embarked on a tour of the country, carrying books and gathering insights into the people’s plight, which would shape his future revolutionary activities. By the fall of 1872, he had settled in sliven, working as a teacher. It was here that he reunited with his friend mikhail Grekov and met Stoyan Gruychev, known as “the Baptist.”
The Meeting with Vasil Levski
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On November 9,1872,Vasil Levski arrived in Sliven,forming a revolutionary district that spanned Kotlensko,Provadia,Targovishte,dobrich,and even reached Tulcea. Following the Arabakonak robbery investigation, Levski reorganized the movement, decentralizing it into smaller committees united under revolutionary districts. Mikhail Grekov was elected chairman of the Sliven Committee, while Uzunov was entrusted with critical tasks. By December 1872, Uzunov left his teaching position to dedicate himself fully to the liberation struggle.
After Levski’s capture, uzunov devised a plan to rescue him, organizing a troop to ambush the convoy transporting Levski from Sofia to Constantinople. However, upon learning of Levski’s execution, Uzunov disbanded the group.
Stepping into Levski’s Role
The loss of Levski was a devastating blow to the revolutionary cause. Uzunov was tasked with the monumental challenge of replacing him. According to Prof. Alexander Burmov, Uzunov’s election as Levski’s deputy occurred in March 1873, following a committee assembly in Tarnovo. This decision was made after Levski’s death, contradicting the notion that Levski himself had chosen Uzunov as his successor.
This is further supported by a letter Levski wrote to Karavelov on October 30, 1872: “I am still alone, I have not found a person to betray my work and I can capture the other, because even money can be found more, and the traitors do not exist in bulgarian anymore.”
In March 1873, Uzunov was in Bucharest, likely seeking confirmation of his new role from the BRC leadership. However, his tenure as the head of the revolutionary organization was short-lived, lasting only about two months. His leadership was cut short by the assassination of Haskovo chorbadji Hajji Stavri Primo, who was suspected of betraying the Haskovo Committee to the Ottoman authorities.On May 4, 1873, Uzunov visited Primo’s home and carried out the assassination, marking the end of his brief but pivotal role in the liberation movement.
Key Moments in Atanas Uzunov’s Revolutionary Journey
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Birth in Edirne | 1851 | Early life and family background |
| Move to Constantinople | 1860s | Education and revolutionary influences |
| Arrival in Bulgaria | 1871 | Initial revolutionary activities |
| meeting with Vasil Levski | November 9, 1872 | formation of revolutionary districts |
| Election as Levski’s Deputy | March 1873 | Leadership of the revolutionary organization |
| Assassination of Hajji Stavri Primo | May 4, 1873 | End of Uzunov’s leadership |
Atanas Uzunov’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of Bulgaria’s revolutionaries during a tumultuous period. Though his time at the helm was brief, his efforts to continue Levski’s legacy remain a important chapter in the nation’s history.
Atanas Uzunov: The Revolutionary Who Shaped Bulgaria’s History
Atanas Uzunov, a name etched in the annals of Bulgarian history, was a revolutionary, teacher, and playwright whose life was marked by resilience, controversy, and unwavering dedication to his homeland. His story is one of heroism, betrayal, and redemption, offering a glimpse into the turbulent times of Bulgaria’s struggle for liberation from Ottoman rule.
The Haskovo Process and Uzunov’s Heroic strategy
In 1873, Uzunov found himself at the center of the infamous Haskovo process, a trial that would leave an indelible mark on Bulgaria’s revolutionary movement. Captured after a failed assassination attempt, Uzunov endured grueling interrogations until June 2, 1873, when he finally spoke. However, his confession was not a sign of defeat but a calculated move.
Uzunov had already contacted committees in Stara Zagora and Turnovo, warning them of impending arrests. His ingenious plan involved sending letters instructing fellow revolutionaries on what to say during their interrogations.By aligning their testimonies with his, Uzunov aimed to steer the investigation in a direction that would protect the revolutionary organization in southern Bulgaria from a pogrom.
Despite his efforts, the trial ended in severe sentences. On December 18, 1873, 21 figures from the surrounding committees were exiled for life to Diyarbakir, while Uzunov was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in the Argan Madeni mines.
A Traitor or a Hero?
Uzunov’s actions during the trial sparked controversy. Many of his contemporaries and associates labeled him a traitor. The Karavel newspaper Independence reproached him, and Z. Stoyanov, in his work “Notes on the Bulgarian Uprising”, criticized Uzunov for taking on a mission that should have been handled by the Secret Police.
Though, not everyone saw Uzunov in a negative light. Hristo Botev, one of Bulgaria’s most revered revolutionaries, defended him in the Banner newspaper in 1875:
“One only Uzunov opposes the pains and suffering and with heroism he spends his rainy days. The strong character and firm will of this boy deserve great respect. I know both him and his comrades,and I am ready to say that the Uzunovtsi are rare…”
Escape and Return to Bulgaria
Uzunov’s story took a dramatic turn during the April Uprising of 1876.Alongside Vasil Yonkov – Glozhev, he managed to escape from exile and fled to the Russian city of Orel, where he resumed his teaching career.
In Febuary 1877, Uzunov returned to Bulgaria with the Russian Imperial Army, serving as a translator. After Bulgaria’s liberation, he held the position of district governor in Lozengrad and later taught at the Sofia Classical High School from 1879 to 1881. Though, his russophile beliefs and the complex political climate lead to his dismissal.
Political Life and Legacy
Uzunov remained active in Bulgaria’s political and social life throughout the 1880s and 1890s. He supported the Liberal Party until its split and later aligned with the Karavel democratic Party. In 1886, he was elected as an MP in the III Grand National assembly under the Lovech quota.
However, the rise of the Stambolovists and the failed coup of Russophile officers in 1887 forced Uzunov into exile onc again. He returned to Orel, spending several years away from Bulgaria. In 1904,he was appointed to the Bulgarian Exarchy in Constantinople,where he worked until his final days.
Atanas Uzunov passed away on June 26, 1907, in Sofia, leaving behind a legacy as a revolutionary, educator, and playwright. Though his revolutionary career was fraught with challenges, his contributions to Bulgaria’s liberation and cultural development remain undeniable.
| Key Events in Atanas Uzunov’s Life |
|—————————————-|
| 1873 – Sentenced to 15 years in Argan Madeni mines |
| 1876 - escaped exile during the April Uprising |
| 1877 – Returned to Bulgaria with the russian Imperial Army |
| 1879-1881 – Taught at Sofia Classical High School |
| 1886 – Elected MP in the III grand National Assembly |
| 1904 – Worked at the Bulgarian Exarchy in Constantinople |
| 1907 – Passed away in Sofia |
Atanas Uzunov’s life is a testament to the complexities of revolutionary struggle and the enduring spirit of those who fight for freedom. His story continues to inspire, reminding us of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of a better future.
Atanas Uzunov: The Revolutionary Who Shaped Bulgaria’s History
Atanas Uzunov, a name etched in the annals of Bulgarian history, was a revolutionary, teacher, and playwright whose life was marked by resilience, controversy, and unwavering dedication to his homeland. His story is one of heroism, betrayal, and redemption, offering a glimpse into the turbulent times of Bulgaria’s struggle for liberation from Ottoman rule.
The Haskovo Process and Uzunov’s Heroic Strategy
In 1873, uzunov found himself at the center of the infamous Haskovo process, a trial that would leave an indelible mark on Bulgaria’s revolutionary movement. Captured after a failed assassination attempt, Uzunov endured grueling interrogations until June 2, 1873, when he finally spoke. Though, his confession was not a sign of defeat but a calculated move.
Uzunov had already contacted committees in Stara Zagora and Turnovo, warning them of impending arrests. his ingenious plan involved sending letters instructing fellow revolutionaries on what to say during their interrogations. By aligning their testimonies with his, Uzunov aimed to steer the inquiry in a direction that would protect the revolutionary organization in southern Bulgaria from a pogrom.
Despite his efforts, the trial ended in severe sentences. On December 18, 1873, 21 figures from the surrounding committees were exiled for life to Diyarbakir, while Uzunov was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in the Argan Madeni mines.
A Traitor or a Hero?
Uzunov’s actions during the trial sparked controversy. Many of his contemporaries and associates labeled him a traitor. The Karavel newspaper Independence reproached him, and Z. Stoyanov, in his work “Notes on the Bulgarian Uprising”, criticized Uzunov for taking on a mission that should have been handled by the Secret Police.
Though,not everyone saw uzunov in a negative light. Hristo Botev, one of Bulgaria’s most revered revolutionaries, defended him in the Banner newspaper in 1875:
“One only Uzunov opposes the pains and suffering and with heroism he spends his rainy days. The strong character and firm will of this boy deserve great respect. I know both him and his comrades, and I am ready to say that the Uzunovtsi are rare…”
Escape and Return to Bulgaria
Uzunov’s story took a dramatic turn during the April Uprising of 1876. Alongside Vasil Yonkov – Glozhev, he managed to escape from exile and fled to the Russian city of Orel, where he resumed his teaching career.
In February 1877, uzunov returned to Bulgaria with the Russian Imperial Army, serving as a translator. After Bulgaria’s liberation, he held the position of district governor in Lozengrad and later taught at the Sofia Classical High School from 1879 to 1881. Though, his russophile beliefs and the complex political climate led to his dismissal.
Political Life and Legacy
uzunov remained active in Bulgaria’s political and social life throughout the 1880s and 1890s. He supported the Liberal Party until its split and later aligned with the Karavel Democratic Party. in 1886, he was elected as an MP in the III Grand National Assembly under the Lovech quota.
However, the rise of the Stambolovists and the failed coup of Russophile officers in 1887 forced Uzunov into exile once again. He returned to Orel, spending several years away from Bulgaria. In 1904, he was appointed to the Bulgarian exarchy in Constantinople, where he worked until his final days.
Atanas Uzunov passed away on June 26, 1907, in Sofia, leaving behind a legacy as a revolutionary, educator, and playwright. Though his revolutionary career was fraught with challenges, his contributions to Bulgaria’s liberation and cultural development remain undeniable.
| Key Events in Atanas Uzunov’s Life |
|---|
| 1873 – Sentenced to 15 years in Argan Madeni mines |
| 1876 – Escaped exile during the April Uprising |
| 1877 – Returned to Bulgaria with the Russian Imperial Army |
| 1879-1881 - Taught at Sofia Classical High School |
| 1886 – elected MP in the III Grand National Assembly |
| 1904 – Worked at the Bulgarian Exarchy in Constantinople |
| 1907 – Passed away in Sofia |
Atanas Uzunov’s life is a testament to the complexities of revolutionary struggle and the enduring spirit of those who fight for freedom. His story continues to inspire, reminding us of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of a better future.
