Monument to Velcho Nochev

Overview

Velcho Nochev was born in 1835 in the Dankovtsi neighborhood (now the village of Velchevo, Troyan region). After the death of his father, when he was 15, he made a living as a shepherd. It is characterized by violent and rebellious nature. He kills an Ottoman official who is abusive in collecting taxes. He left for Dobrudja, where he worked as a hired shepherd.

After returning to his homeland, he joined the organized national liberation struggle. Participates in the work of the Novosel Private Revolutionary Committee.

During the April Uprising (1876) in the area of ​​the village of Novo Selo he was elected lieutenant colonel and centurion. Participates in the creation of the Novoselska Republic. He has a modern weapon for his time and is distinguished by his accurate shooting. He showed himself with competent command in the battles at the Debnev Boaz and Maragidik Peak.

After the pogrom of the uprising he hid and was captured in treason. He was sentenced to death by hanging by the Tarnovo Military Court. The sentence was executed on July 2, 1876 in the town of Sevlievo. He was hanged together with Radi Popmihov, Pavli Venkov, Nikola Dabev, Hristo Filev and Ivan Presnakov.

After the Liberation from Ottoman rule, the newly created village of Velchevo, Troyan municipality, was named after him. A monument to him was created here in 1969.

The best monumental decoration of the village of Velchovo, Apriltsi municipality, today is the monument of Velcho Nochev - the Scarecrow of the Ottomans, the Protector of the poor, the defender of Kamenna Laka during the uprising, the infallible archer hanged on July 2, 1876. on the square in the town of Sevlievo. The monument, designed by the sculptor Docho Terziev and executed in white stone by Petko Netsolov from Tsarevets, Vratsa region is impressive in size - an expression of the people's feeling for the hero. His masculine silhouette stands out beautifully against the background of the Balkans - his most natural decor. The sculpture of Velcho Nochev was unveiled on May 11, 1969.