Melacca

Melaka is a state in Malaysia located in the southern region of Malay Peninsula, next to the Strait of Malacca. The history of Melaka started in 1396, a Sumatran Prince, Parameswara fled his country out of fear from the attacking Majapahit Empire. Landed on Malacca’s shores, founded the city and turned it into a favored port for waiting out monsoon and re-supplying ships plying the strategic Straits of Malacca. In 1414, Parameswara convert to Islam, leading him become Sultan of Malacca. After its adoption of Islam, the town started to attract traders from across Asia such as India, Arabia and China. Malacca also established contact with the Chinese Empire through the explorer Zheng Ho to protect their territory from Siamese forces, culminating in the marriage of Sultan Mansur Shah and Hang Li Poh. A century later, Melaka was attacked by the Portuguese in 1511. The invader missionaries strove to implant Catholicism within the state and Melaka’s popularity dwindled as Muslim merchants began to steer clear of the port. Melaka continued to prosper under Portuguese rule until the Dutch came into the picture. Dutch captured the port and ruled over it until 1795 and later the British assumed control for a short time. In 1957, finally, Melaka, along the rest of Malaysia received her independence in 1957, paving the way of the future which is today.