Despot Shishman I

Despot Shishman I was a Bulgarian despot and independent ruler of the Vidin Tsardom from 1270 to 1313. He is thought to have been of Cuman origin. Through marriage, he entered the family of Tsar Ivan Asen II. In 1270 he received the title of despot and the lands around Vidin from Tsar Constantine Asen I.

According to historical sources, after Ivan Asen II's death, Shishman opposed Smilets's accession to the throne in 1280 and declared Vidin an autonomous tsardom, proclaiming himself its tsar. Years later, because of military setbacks, he sought the assistance of the Tatar military commander Nogai and became dependent on him.

In 1300 a coup took place in Tarnovo: the minor Ivan IV Smilets was deposed by Ivan Svetoslav and Chaka. Svetoslav became tsar, while Chaka died. Chaka's family and troops consequently fled and found refuge in the Vidin Tsardom. After becoming tsar, Tsar Ivan Svetoslav united most of the independent despotates that boyars had broken away to establish, including Vidin. In 1313 the Vidin Tsardom officially re-entered the territories of the Tarnovo Tsardom.