Monument to Borimechka

Location: Klisura, Bulgaria

Completed: 1976

Sculptor: Metodi Izmirliev

Genre: Socialist monument, former Eastern Bloc

The monument is dedicated to Ivan Tankov, a hero of the April Uprising of 1876. He attempted to defend the town of Klisura with just 200 rebels against a unit of bashi-bazouk numbering more than 2000 men. Defeated by the overpowering Turkish forces, he was captured and shipped to, what is today, Acre in Israel. He acquired the nickname borimechka (wrestler) after capturing two bears. More information about Bulgaria’s communist-era monuments and memorials.

Monument to Borimechka in Klisura, Bulgaria | Socialist monument | former Eastern Bloc

Did you know?… We also have an Instagram account and Facebook page that are dedicated to all things Architectonic. Join our community for daily photos of Brutalist architecture, Soviet memorials, abandoned buildings, classic modernism and gargantuan monuments. Just click on the links below.

Stay Posted

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our latest architecture posts as well as our latest news from the road less travelled...