the Dutch cartographer Carl Van Verden (died 1731) whom set out in May 1720 to explore the Caspian Sea, wrote at the mouth of the Astara River that they had been greeted with great kindness and friendliness by the ruler of Astara, however they didn't mention the name of him. The historian Ilya Pavlovich Petrushevsky (1889–1977), based on Tazkirat al-Mulūk ( 1725), mentioned only two districts of Astara and Qaraaghaj. Astara, Ujarud (), Mughan and Qaraaghaj () are mentioned in the list of local governors in Tazkirat al-Mulūk. The Russian historian, Pyotr Grigorievich Butkov (1775–1857) indicated that Talish was governed by two rulers in the 1720s. He stated that the ruler named "Omir Agis" ruled Lankaran, and Musa Khan ruled Qizilaghaj. Mammadova took into account that in the Russian historical documents, the ruler of the Qizilaghaj was Bijan Sultan and Musa Khan was mentioned as ruler of Astara but Butkov shows him as the ruler of Qizilaghaj. She believed that Butkov's information is incorrect. According to above information, in 1720s, Lankaran and Mughan were managed by Mir Abbas Khan, Astara was ruled by Musa Khan and Qizilaghaj was administered by Bijan Sultan. In the Mirza Ahmad's book, Musa Khan is mentioned as the ruler of Astara consisting of Karganrud, Asalem, Vilkij, Drigh and Zuvand districts. History 16th century The Safavids' kinship with the ruling dynasty of the Talish had a serious impact on its socio-political life for several centuries. Apparently, this kinship was the reason that young Ismail Safavi () spent the winter of 1500 in the Archivan village of Astara. This played a major role in increasing the number of Safavid supporters. It might be assumed that the kinship with the Safavids was more advantageous for the Talish rulers. They became much stronger by relying on this kinship; even though they rebelled against the Safavids in the 1540s and 1590s, they were able to maintain their power. The leading figures of Talish were among the seven companions of Ismail in 1500's exodus from Gilan. The inherited rulers of Talish became active participants in the political processes at the second half of the 15th century and at the beginning of the 16th century. They assisted Safavids in the fight against the Aq Qoyunlu Confederation and Shirvanshahs' state. Highly praising their help, the Safavid rulers, included the Talishis in the ranks of the Qizilbash tribes. The presence of Talish chiefs in