Revolutionary Andon Kukov

Andon or Anton Kukov, nicknamed Makedonetsa (the Macedonian), was a Bulgarian revolutionary from Ohrid who served in the detachments of Zhelyu Voivode and Hristo Botev.

He was born in Ohrid and owned a goldsmith's workshop there, but a conflict with a wealthy Turk forced him to leave his homeland and move to Wallachia. He took part in hajduk activities with Zhelyu Voivode's band and is thought to have engraved the inscription on the voivode's sabre.

In 1876 he joined Botev's detachment. He knew Hristo Botev well even before joining and told the other members about him while they waited in Turnu Măgurele for the ship carrying the voivode.

Andon died in the battle at Milin Kamak. Wounded, with his arm bandaged, he stood beside the flag and its bearer but was struck down by the final rifle volley. Eyewitnesses testified that a bullet hit his head and he fell into the ravine, entering his eternal sleep.