Revolutionary Alexander Protogerov

Alexander Nikolov Protogerov was a Bulgarian officer, politician and revolutionary who played a key role in the liberation movement of the Macedonian Bulgarians. Born on 28 February 1867 in Ohrid, Protogerov began military service in 1882 while studying at His Princely Highness's Military School.

Protogerov volunteered in the Serbo-Bulgarian War of 1885. He graduated from military school in 1887 and gradually advanced in military service, reaching the rank of lieutenant general. He led the Bulgarian liberation brotherhoods in Ruse and served in various military units.

Protogerov actively participated in the national liberation struggle as a member of the Supreme Macedonian-Adrianople Committee. In 1903 he led a detachment in a fierce battle against Turkish troops and was wounded. In 1905–1906 he organised the Committee's detachments in the Serres Revolutionary District.

Protogerov played an important role in founding the Supreme Emigrant Commission in 1903. In 1911 he became a colonel and was elected to IMARO's Central Committee. After Hristo Chernopeev's murder in 1915, he became a full member of the Central Committee.

This exceptionally important participant in the history of the Macedonian Bulgarians has his personal archive preserved at the State Archives Agency, where it is a valuable source for studying the period.