The statue of Valchan Voyvoda
A monument of the legendary Valchan Voyvoda (military commanders of Slavic populations) was officially open last Saturday in the village of Rayuvtsi in Elena Balkans. This is the only monument of the famous haydutin (a romanticised hero figure who steals from, and leads his fighters into battle against the Ottoman Empire). The memorial statue is full-length and made of white stone; it towers over Yovkovtsi Reservoir at Valchova Polyana (meadow). Valchan is one of the most famous Bulgarian rebels who devoted 80 years of his life to revel activity. All the money which Valchan Voyvoda obtained was given away for the liberation of Bulgaria and education of the Bulgarian population. He was born on January 7th, 1775 and died on March 23rd, 1879 at the age of 104.