Voivode Atmadzha

Atmadzha the Voivode, born around 1665, was a Bulgarian hero whose real name is unknown; "Atmadzha" was a nickname given to him by the Turks. He is associated with other Bulgarian voivodes, such as Strahil the Voivode. His activities encompassed the Balkan Mountains, Sredna Gora, the Bakardzhitsi hills, Rila, Pirin, the Rhodope Mountains, Belasitsa and Ograzhden.

Atmadzha the Voivode was one of many Bulgarian heroes who opposed Ottoman rule and fought for the freedom and independence of the Bulgarian people. Like the stories of many other voivodes and hajduks of the Ottoman period, his history is often shrouded in legends and oral traditions.

His name "Atmadzha" probably comes from the Turkish word "atma", which can be translated as "soul" or "life". The Turks gave him this nickname because of his bravery and indomitable spirit in fighting them.