Revolutionary Iliya Rusev

Iliya Rusev was a Bulgarian revolutionary known for his active work in the Internal Macedonian-Adrianople Revolutionary Organisation.

He was born in 1885 in the village of Hadzhieleska Byala Reka. After serving in the Bulgarian army, Rusev joined IMARO and became a member of Ivan Naumov's detachment, whose leader was known as Alyabaka.

In July 1907 Rusev entered Macedonia as a squad leader in one of the organisation's largest detachments, comprising sixty men, mainly former Bulgarian army soldiers. He participated in the battle on Nozhot Peak and the Popadiya Hills, demonstrating his commitment and skills in the struggle for the Macedonian people's freedom.