Grand Prince of Kabardia

The Grand Prince of Kabardia (Kabardian: Къэбэрдеим и пщышхуэ) was the title given to the Kabardian rulers. In Russian sources, it is referred to as the Kabardian governor. In the late 18th century, the term Pshi Thamada was used to denote the title of the Grand Prince of Kabardia by the Kabardians, which was mentioned in 16th-19th century Russian sources as the grand duke or supreme prince. All Kabardian princes and dynasties are descended from Inal the Great. The Grand Prince of Kabardia was elected by the votes of other princes and first-ranked nobles. This title could only be attained through election and could not be passed down unlawfully from father to son.