From the 11th century CE to the rise of Safavids, Gilan was ruled by local rulers who paid tribute to the dominant power south of the Alborz range but ruled independently, such as the Eshaqvand Dynasty and the Ispahbads of Gilan.

Scholars suggest a link between the Gilaks and the Zazas. Zaza calls themselves Dimli or Dimla, derived from the word Daylam.