Hristo Uzunov: Commemorating the Macedonian revolutionary leader

Historians Mikhail Patchev and Natasha Kotlar-Trajkova have reflected on the legacy of Hristo Uzunov on the anniversary of his birth, October 22, 1878. Uzunov is recognized not only as a voivoda but as a strategic leader who managed insurgent forces and civilian populations during the Ilinden Uprising.

In the Ohrid region, preparations for the uprising included organized supply points, food warehouses, secret kilns, and bullet foundries, as well as an improvised medical service in Chemerski Dol. As a regional commander, Uzunov was responsible for coordinating detachments, assessing threats, and executing military plans.

During the uprising, actions included cutting telegraph lines between Ohrid and surrounding centers, destroying bridges, and attacking Ottoman military positions. Despite strategic challenges and clashes in areas such as Lokovo, Lakovo, and Selce, Uzunov remained active in the field, particularly in Gorna and Dolna Debrca and Ortakol.