Alexander Arkadievich Rostkovsky (18.10.1860, Odessa – 08.08.1903, Bitola) was a Russian consul in Bitola from 1895 to 1903. His name is often mentioned in the Macedonian historiography, as a protector of the Macedonian population. He was close friend with Krste Petkov Misirkov, and one of his favorite places for rest was Bukovo Monastery near Bitola.
Alexander Arkadievich Rostkovsky
On August 8th 1903, during the Ilinden Uprising, the Consul Rostkovski, was returning from Bukovo monastery together with Krste Petkov Misirkov. They passed by the Turkish guards who stood at the entrance of Bitola city. The guards did not greet the Consul and this was a sign of disrespect. Dissatisfied with this, the Consul descended from the carriage and protested by insulting them and according to some sources, he even hit one of the guards. After this, the guard shot twice and killed the Consul.
Alexander Arkadievich Rostkovsky was buried in Thessaloniki and the Russian Empire reacted fiercely to this event.
Funeral procession of Alexander Arkadievich Rostkovsky in Thessaloniki
The guards who killed him were sentenced to death, and the commander of the city Ali-Riza Pasha, was sent to exile in Libya.
Bitola – 1916/17 – Russian soldiers pay tribute to the Consul Alexander Arkadievich Rostkovsky
At the place where the murder took place a small memorial was located until 1936 when the monument “Russian Cross” was erected. This monument was destroyed after the Second World War and events connected with the Informbiro.
Monument “Russian Cross” set in 1936
Today’s monument was erected on August 8, 2003.
