Kabardian Nobility in the Power and Administration System: the Case of Zhabagi Kazanoko (First Half of the 18th Century)

The article is devoted to the study of the role of the Kabardian nobility using the example of one of the most famous representatives of the Kabardian service nobility in the power and administration system of traditional Kabardian society – Zhabagi Kazanoko (1685–1750). Zhabagi considered as an example of a functionary of the power and administration system of traditional Kabardian society. For the most comprehensive disclosure of the research problems, a review of the social system of Kabarda is carried out, an analysis of the origin, “official” positions, functions and status of Zhabagi is carried out. Zhabagi's position in the system of power has never become the subject of special research.
The novelty of the research also lies in the analysis of the position of the nobility in power through the study of the “official positions” of a particular person from the nobility. The work shows that the nobility of various degrees, filling the administrative apparatus, was not limited in its activities to the performance of strictly defined official functions.
The example of Zhabaga’s life demonstrates the combination of service of representatives of the nobility, both to the princes and to the interests of the entire Kabardian society, which strived for a fair, prosperous and peaceful life.