Revolutionary Atanas Sveshtarov

Atanas Nikolov Popvasilev, known as Sveshtarov or Sveshtarya, was a Bulgarian revolutionary, public figure and member of both Botev's detachment and the Internal Macedonian-Adrianople Revolutionary Organisation.

He was born on 23 February 1847 in Gorno Brodi, formerly part of the Ottoman Empire and now in Greece. In 1867 Sveshtarov went to Mount Athos and travelled from there through Constantinople to Odesa, Russia. He worked there as a baker before moving to Bessarabia, where he learned about the events involving Hadzhi Dimitar and Stefan Karadzha's detachment. He later worked as a painter in various places.

In 1875 Sveshtarov set out for Herzegovina intending to join the uprising, but was detained in Serbia and returned to Romania, where he continued working. He later joined Hristo Botev's detachment and fought in all its battles. After Botev's death, Sveshtarov and other members withdrew towards the central Balkan Mountains, but betrayal delivered them into enemy hands. They were captured and dispersed to various places in Bulgaria, and Sveshtarov was released following a general amnesty.

After his release, Sveshtarov returned to Serres, where he opened a Bulgarian bookshop and became actively involved in public affairs. He also worked to restore the Bulgarian school in the town and fought for the Bulgarian Church. Throughout his life both Turks and Greeks persecuted him for his activities. Sveshtarov received three decorations for bravery, and numerous streets throughout the country commemorate his name.

In 1913, after the Treaty of Bucharest, Sveshtarov and his family left Bulgaria and moved to Plovdiv, then to Xanthi, where he died on 12 March 1930. After this he moved to Stanimaka, where he remained for the rest of his life.