Voivode Nikola Mechev

Nikola Petrov Mechev, known as Haydut Nikola, was a Bulgarian hajduk, revolutionary and IMARO commander. Born in 1869 in Teshovo in the Nevrokop region, he joined hajduk bands in southern Pirin and Ali Botush from an early age, including those of Kosta Kuketo, Angel Kafedzhiyata and Todor Palaskarya.

He later joined IMARO and served in Atanas Teshovaliyata's band. After the Young Turk Revolution of July 1908, when the Young Turks took power in the Ottoman Empire, the authorities continued to pursue him. He moved to Bulgaria to escape danger and settled in Byala Slatina. There he maintained the spirit of the liberation struggle by supporting his compatriots and participating actively in community life.

Mechev died in 1938, leaving a lasting mark on the struggle to free Bulgarians from Ottoman rule.