Esteghlal Shahrdari Rasht Football Club () commonly known as Esteghlal Rasht, is a football club, based in Rasht, Gilan, Iran. The club was founded in 1983. First dissolved in 2002, the club was refounded later. The club plays currently in the Gilan Province League.

History Establishment The club was known as Esteghlal Gaz Rasht in 1992–93 Iran Football's 2nd Division due to sponsorship. After playing many years in Iran Football's 2nd Division, they were promoted to Azadegan League in 2000. They finished 10th in 2000–01 season. But only one year later they were relegated again. They finished 13th in that season.

Dissolution Due to financial problems and relegation, Esteghlal Rasht sold their licence to Pegah Dairy Company. The new club was named as Pegah Gilan. Many players and their coach Majid Jahanpour moved to Pegah Gilan. On 5 August 2002, Esteghlal Rasht was officially dissolvedand it is known as Damashguilan sc

Refounding However Esteghlal Rasht was refounded years later and able to play in Gilan Province League.

Stadium

Dr. Azodi Stadium is the home stadium of Esteghlal Rasht since 1990. It has a current capacity of 11,000 spectators. The stadium is named after Dr. Hassan Azodi who was killed on June 28, 1981, in an explosion at the central office of the Islamic Republican Party. It is also the home venue of local rivals Damash and Sepidrood.

Seasons The table below chronicles the achievements of Esteghlal Rasht in various competitions since 1990.

SeasonDiv.LeaguePositionHazfi CupNotes1990–9122nd Division2nd/Group 1Promoted to Azadegan League1991–921Azadegan League11thRelegated to 2nd Division1992–9322nd Division8thEsteghlal Gaz Rasht1995–9622nd Division7th/Group 11997–9822nd Division1st/Group 2Promoted 2nd Round1998–9922nd Division2nd/Group 2Promoted 2nd Round1999–0022nd Division2nd/Group 1Promoted to Azadegan League2000–011Azadegan League10th2001–021Pro League13thRelegated to Azadegan League

Club managers Majid Jahanpour (1990) Farhad Kazemi (2000) Majid Jahanpour (2000–2001) Nasser Hejazi (2001–2002) Majid Jahanpour (2002)

References