A figure of bandit from the Kirdzhalis: İnce Stoyan

Under Sultan Selim's rule (1789- 1807), there was a rise in anarchy and a number of activity in international relations. Sultan, the reformer, was aware that he couldn't convince everyone to approve a significant challenge, but he still wanted to make the current situation better as soon as possible. However, Sultan Selim's Nizam-ı Cedid Army faced a lot of opposition. The 'local elites,' the âyâns, were threatening Sublime Porte and spreading disorder. The âyâns were in charge of the provinces, while the central government was weaker. Even if some of them worked in favor of the government against the rebel, the number of those who attempted to disobedience by imposing taxes on the citizens and assembling an army of the bandits was also extremely significant. The bandits of Kardzhali, afterwards known by this name, were first observed in the slopes of the Rhodope Mountains. The bandits included both Muslims and Christians. These rebels were savages who pillaged towns and villages. Several of them were banditors for a living. They earned money by stealing or fighting in the army of the âyâns. Even though these banditry movements lacked the sense of national identity that would manifest itself in the 19th century, the Ottoman central government, which was dealing with a number of internal and external problems, found it difficult to crush the rebels. Hajduk/ Haiduk/ Haydutin is the Balkans' equivalent of the Ottoman Empire's use of the phrases 'robber' and 'bandit.' It is clear that Bulgarian hayduts are the majority in Kardzhalis. According to reports, one of these Bulgarians is a member of Janissary Corps, named İnce Stoyan/İnce Voivoda. In order to comprehend what haydut means in the Balkans and how they are passed down from one generation to the next in popular memory, İnce is a vital case study. Poems, songs and stories have been written in his honor. A village was named after him, and a statue of him was built. His characteristics, legends and epic tales set him apart as the 'protector of the people and the avenging haydut figure.' In short, İnce helps us to see how ordinary people's imaginations create heroes. Thus, we may understand what the Kardzhalis meant to two different cultures throughout that time. Key Words: Mountain Uprisings, Haydut, Voivoda, Local Artistic Expression, Literature.