Voivode Chakar

Hristo Prodanov, known as Chakar Voyvoda (1815–1855), was a Bulgarian hajduk active in the Rila Mountains. He was born in the village of Prodanovtsi in 1815, and his nickname Chakar came from his large grey eyes.

After the family tragedy in which his father was killed by Turks, Chakar Voyvoda was raised by his maternal uncle, Father Nikola. At an early age his uncle sent him to work in Rila Monastery's smithy, but he suffered cruel treatment from the monk there and fled to Samokov. There he began working in Mito Shatarenta's gunsmith's workshop, learning not only to repair but also to use various weapons skilfully.

According to legend, Chakar Voyvoda distinguished himself through victories over Turkish military commanders such as Mutish Agha and Hadzhi Damba (1849). During the battle against the Albanian bandit Ibryam Leka in 1854, Chakar Voyvoda voluntarily guarded Rila Monastery and successfully repelled the attack.

Chakar Voyvoda was treacherously killed in 1855 by Ivan, one of his own fighters. Ivan's wife Yona received 500 grosh from the Turks and used the money to persuade her husband to commit the murder. After killing Chakar Voyvoda, Ivan killed himself. On learning of Chakar's death, Hadzhi Damba expressed his respect by breaking his yataghan in two and sending it to be laid on his grave with an "eyvallah" – a symbol of the voivode's honour and pride.