Gilan Province, located in the northwest of Iran, is a witness to this ancient civilization, with a unique geographical location and a long history. But during the difficult times of the Arab invasion, the people of this land, especially the Gilans, showed a remarkable spirit of resistance. They not only defended their own living space, but also represented the continuation and persistence of a national culture.
In 637 AD, the Gilans faced off against an Arab army for the first time, a battle that became a symbol of early resistance. The Gilan people at that time were led by the Dilamite commander Muta, who gathered warriors from the Gilan, Dilamite and Persian ethnic groups to fight against foreign invasion.
It is not just a battle, but a defense of culture and autonomy.
In this famous Battle of Jalula, the Arab army suffered relatively heavy losses due to the bravery of Muta, but the situation was ultimately irreversible. Although they claimed victory, the Gilans’ orderly retreat certainly demonstrated their indomitable spirit.
The Gilans resisted not only physically but also by preserving their culture. In the following years, the cultural exchange and integration between Jilan and surrounding areas did not suppress the uniqueness of Jilan culture. Despite pressure from foreign religions, the people of Gilan have persisted in their beliefs, and to this day, Gilan culture and society remain richly diverse.
Resistance is not a simple war, but a battle to defend culture over thousands of years.
Gilan province has retained its uniqueness throughout history, and many of its residents have played courageous roles in modern political and social movements. Especially in the 1910s, the Gilans formed their own resistance forces and continued their struggle to overthrow the authoritarian regime, making them heroes in history.
Not only did the Gilan people face external challenges in ancient times, their story paradoxically deduce the roots of today's cultural confidence. What lessons can we learn today from this history of courage and tenacity?