Hajduk Baba Novak

Baba Novak, also called Fat Novak or Old Novak, was a military commander of the Wallachian voivode Michael the Brave and was of Bulgarian origin. He led successful battles against the Ottomans in various regions, including Bulgaria, Banat, Wallachia and the surrounding lands, becoming a hero of Romanian and Serbian folklore.

According to some sources, the nickname "Fat" may describe not only Baba Novak's physique but may also translate the dynastic name "Shishman", which means "fat" in Turkish. Supporting this hypothesis is the fact that some sources also call him "Novak Debelić", probably a surname translating the Turkish patronymic rather than a personal nickname.

Baba Novak took over the family trading business after his father's death, but a serious conflict arose with the Turks, forcing him to leave Bulgaria and face exile. Received by Prince Michael the Brave, he became a successful military commander and general, the Wallachian voivode's right-hand man.

In the late sixteenth century, during the Austro-Turkish War of 1592–1606, Baba Novak participated in victorious attacks against the Turks, including the capture of Ada Kaleh Fortress in the middle of the Danube. In 1594 he organised a mounted unit that attacked Vidin, Ruse and Kladovo.

After his military successes, the Orthodox Bulgarian was accused of collaborating with the Turks and executed on 5 February 1601 in Cluj. After his death, Baba Novak became a legendary hero in Bulgarian, Romanian and Serbian folklore. Folk songs depict him as an invincible hero and defender of Christians against the Ottomans. His legend is also commemorated in natural features such as the Starina Novak Cave in Bosnia and the Kaylaka area in Pleven.