The history of Rasht dates back to the pre Islamic period. The independent governors of this region were called "Gilanshah" before the Arabs invasion. In the year 682 CE, after the conquest of Iran by Arabs, the name of Rasht was mentioned in historical documents for the first time.

When Shah Ismail was Safavid ruler, Gilan was composed of two sections of "Biehpas" with the centrality of Rasht, and "Biehpish" with the centrality of Lahijan. During the reign of Shah Tahmaseb I, the governance of both parts was assigned to "Khan Ahmad Gilan". Finally, Shah Abbas I conquered Gilan.

Rasht people played a very important role in the Constitutional Revolution. Russian and British army as well as local rebels attacked Rasht city during the World War I (1914-1918). In 1920, Rasht became the arena of revolutionary movements again. When the Red Army conquered Baku in 1918, the navy of White Army took asylum in the Anzali Port, which was under control of British army. The commander of the Red Navy chased them and conquered the Anzali Port and as the result the British Army retreated.

This event encouraged revolutionaries of Gilan to establish an anti-British government under the leadership of "Mirza Kouchek Khan-e Jangali". British forces evacuated the city and went to Baghdad. Finally, Iranian army defeated the movement and a treaty was signed with Russia after which they evacuated the city.