On Saturday, with the support of the Regional History Museum – Razgrad, the traditional hike to the Committee House in the village of Poroishte took place, organized by the “Buyna Gora” Tourist Association, with the assistance of the Municipality, the City Hall and residents of the village.
It was a sign of respect for the work and memory of Vasil Levski and is dedicated to the 153rd anniversary of his death. A large group from the Regional History Museum, tourists, and students participated in the hike, and the route was about 8 kilometers long along field and forest roads. In the village, the tourists were welcomed by the mayor of Poroishte Panayot Uzunov, and hospitably treated to hot tea in the pensioner’s club.
In front of the Committee House, where in 1872 Levski’s associate Angel Kanchev established the local revolutionary committee, the participants paid tribute with a minute of silence and laid a wreath. The chief tour guide of the Regional History Museum, Victoria Valcheva, delivered a speech on the occasion. She recalled: “Levski initiated an awakening, leading to the emergence, organization and functioning of numerous committees within the country. One such committee was formed here, in the Committee House. And not by just anyone, but by the Apostle’s close associate – Angel Kanchev. The house belongs to Ivan Samokovski – a priest in Poroishte, who provided it free of charge for the needs of the revolutionary cause. Thus, on January 23, 1872, in addition to the aforementioned – Angel Kanchev and Ivan Samokovski, the founding of the committee was also attended by Gani Chernev, Marin Tsonzarov, Sava Dobrev, hadji Pavli Geranliyata, hadji Radi Terzipanov and others. Unfortunately, the committee did not last long – only two months, as Angel Kanchev committed suicide on March 5, 1972 at the port in Ruse, in order not to be caught by the Ottoman authorities. After this incident, the committee in Poroishte ceased to function, and its members they burn the entire archive, out of concern that the documentation might fall into enemy hands.”
Victoria Valcheva also emphasized that the fighting spirit of the people of Poroishte has been preserved to this day, passed on to them by the companions of the Apostle. The Mayor of Poroishte also welcomed all those present.
After the ceremony, the hikers viewed the local history collection in the Committee House, including documents related to the activities of Levski and his associates in the Razgrad region, with museum staff available to anyone who wanted to learn more about the exhibits. The hikers also visited the dug-out church “St. Athanasius” – one of the landmarks of Poroishte.
