Mancho's Revolt

In 1826, Mancho agreed to become a voivode and led a Bulgarian band of fifteen to seventeen men in the struggle against the Turks. Despite its small size, it inflicted serious losses on its Turkish pursuers, earning their respect. They called him Mancho Pasha.

The authorities dared not pursue him into the mountains, while Mancho himself did not feel safe in Berkovitsa. This gave Bulgarians confidence, and they organised two uprisings, in 1829 and 1831, under Pano Stamov and Gavril Zharkov, but both quickly failed.

In 1835, Mancho organised another attempted uprising, seeking Serbian support. Despite agreements for assistance and weapons from Serbia, it was unsuccessful. After the defeat, Mancho withdrew to Berkovitsa and renewed the struggle. In April 1836, the uprising broke out and spread through the town, capturing the barracks and the bey’s residence. After this victory, however, the Turks attacked in force, and Mancho withdrew to Malak Kom Peak.

The Turks launched major attacks, but Mancho used ambush tactics to inflict heavy losses. In a battle near Gintsi, he again attacked successfully and forced them to withdraw. Despite these difficulties, the Turks renewed their attacks and reached Malak Kom Peak after a brief battle in late May 1836. Mancho Punin and the surviving rebels retreated, and he decided to end his struggle. At sunrise, he leapt from a cliff, but instead of falling to his death, an eagle flew from the spot and soared into the heights.

This gesture is interpreted as relinquishing the struggle, and Mancho Punin remains remembered as one of Bulgaria's heroes who courageously challenged Ottoman authority.