Lahijan

Lahijan was the capital of Bia-pish in eastern Gilan, beyond the Safid Rud, and a Caspian silk market. Zaydi Alid sayyids governed eastern Gilan through local clans; Mongol authority was established only nominally.

Around 1367 the sayyid Ali Kia founded the Kar-Kiya dynasty and united Bia-pish from Lahijan. Its rulers helped Ismail I found the Safavid state and became its vassals. When their last ruler Khan Ahmad Khan sought Russian help, Shah Abbas I conquered Gilan in 1592, ending the dynasty; Russian troops occupied Lahijan in 1725.