Revolutionary Ivan Tsonchev

Ivan Stefanov Tsonchev, a Bulgarian volunteer, officer, major general, revolutionary and leader of the Supreme Macedonian-Adrianople Committee, was born on 19 August 1859 in Dryanovo, then in the Ottoman Empire. He joined the Bulgarian Volunteer Corps during the Russo-Turkish War in 1877 and became a member of its 8th Battalion. After entering service in the Bulgarian Territorial Army and graduating from the Military School in Sofia, he fought in the Serbo-Bulgarian War in 1885.

Tsonchev commanded the 2nd Battalion of the 7th Regiment and performed important command duties during the Battle of Slivnitsa in November 1885. During the battle he defended Vishaya Peak, where he distinguished himself through bravery but was wounded in the chest. For his exploits he received the Order of Bravery, Fourth Class.

After the Serbo-Bulgarian War, Tsonchev continued to play an important role in the Macedonian-Adrianople liberation movement. He took part in the Gorna Dzhumaya Uprising and was active in the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising as one of the organisers of the Supreme Macedonian-Adrianople Committee. He ended his career as a major general. Ivan Stefanov Tsonchev is a respected hero whose contribution to Bulgarian history is an integral part of the region's liberation struggles.