Stefan Cherkezov

Stefan Cherkezov (26 April 1937 – 16 August 1963) was a Bulgarian medical doctor of Circassian origin. He belonged to the Circassian clan known as Tashu (Tӏэшъу). Cherkezov is known for his actions during a transport accident where he extracted passengers from a burning vehicle, saving the lives of 47 people but losing his own life. He was married to Lidiya and had one daughter who also became a medical doctor.

On 15 August 1963, a collision occurred between a bus and a truck on the road between Veliko Tarnovo and Gorna Oryahovitsa. Cherkezov was a passenger on the bus, which caught fire following the impact. After exiting the vehicle, he returned to the burning bus to extract 47 other passengers. He sustained severe burns during the rescue and died the following day. His wife later quoted him stating that the resources his father invested in his medical education were not in vain.

Legacy In 2005, the Bulgarian government officially declared 15 August as the "Day of Salvation" . The day honors medical professionals and other citizens who have died in the line of duty.

Several locations and institutions are named in his honor. These include the Multi-profile Hospital for Active Treatment in Veliko Tarnovo, the street in Vinograd where his birth house is located, and the village health service center, which also features a memorial plaque on its facade. A street in the Lyulin district of Sofia is also named after Stefan Cherkezov .