Tarkan Iliya

Little information survives about Kanatarkan Iliya beyond his membership of the Bulgarian delegation that attended the Eighth Ecumenical Council in Constantinople in 869. This council was one of the most significant events in the history of the early medieval Christian Church and played an important role in the development of Christianity during this period. As part of the Bulgarian delegation, Kanatarkan Iliya probably represented the Bulgarian prince or tsar of the time, who may have been Boris I or his successor.

Although there are no detailed records of Iliya's specific role at the council, he probably participated in discussions and decisions concerning Christian faith and practice. His involvement may have been important in maintaining good relations between Bulgaria and Byzantium and strengthening the Orthodox Church's position in the region.