Voivode Mircho Mirchev

Mircho Kolev Mirchev, known as Mircho Voyvoda, was a Bulgarian revolutionary and one of the first Bulgarian voivodes.

Born in the village of Vishovgrad, Mircho came from the Licheoolu farming family. His father Kolyo was ruined by the wealthy notable Kolyo Sabev, leaving Mircho orphaned at fifteen. Mircho married Kolyo Sabev's daughter Stanka. She was pursued by Mehmed from Byala Cherkva, forcing him to move his family to Tarnovo for protection with his cousin Kocho Kmeta. In Tarnovo Mircho managed to build his own home and continue his activities.

In 1775 a band of kardzhali raiders attacked the town, brutally killing his wife and son. Mircho found his daughter near the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, but the story ends with his death, killed by his stepson Stoyko, whom Mehmed Bey had bribed.

After this tragic episode, Mircho Voyvoda and Uzun Penko formed a detachment that operated in the Sevlievo, Gabrovo, Dryanovo and Tarnovo districts. Mircho became known for his ruthlessness towards Turks and kardzhali raiders, particularly after losing his family. Although he remarried, he was eventually killed by his stepson near his native village.