Veljko Petrović

Hajduk Veljko, also known as Veljko Petrović (1780 – 1813), was the military commander in charge of the Negotin region for the Serbian Revolutionary troops in the First Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Empire. He was regarded as one of the Uprising's greatest heroes and one of the most important historical figures in Serbia.

When Veljko learned about Karaore's activities, he immediately asked his wife for hajduk clothing and weapons and joined Glava's bands. Veljko was present in Glava's eta (band of fighters) when Karaore arrived at Oraac on the Meeting of the Lord, February 2, 1804, and was chosen by the people, including Glava, Kati, arapi, Jakovljevi, Vule, and others (a commander of a few men). He battled alongside Vujica Vulievi to liberate Belgrade in 1806 and was a skilled fighter. He was given authority by the Council in 1807 to incite uprising in the regions of Krivi Vir and Crna Reka after he was made a buljubaša / буљубаша. Despite being greatly outnumbered, he gallantly defended Soko Banja from the Turks in 1809. His tremendous bravery as an individual brought him recognition and fame throughout Serbia and the Balkans. He received the Russian Golden Cross in 1810 as a reward for his valor.

Songs about him were written even during his lifetime because he was a well-known hero. Over 70 lyrical poems and 10 epic poems have been written on him. "My almond tree came forth" (Расло ми је бадем дрво) and "Sickly there lieth Mustapha the Black" (Болан ми лежи Кара-Мустафа) are two of the most well-known ballads or epic poetry.