Bandar Seri Begawan history

The history of Bandar Seri Begawan is inextricably linked with Kampong Ayer — the famous "Water Village," which is considered one of the largest settlements of its kind in the world. The first mentions of a settlement on the Brunei River in Chinese and Arabic sources date back to the 6th–7th centuries, testifying to its ancient origins. For centuries, it was Kampong Ayer that served as the de facto centre and heart of the Sultanate, earning the title "Venice of the East." The city on land, as we know it today, began to develop actively only in the 20th century. Until 5 October 1970, the city was named Brunei Town (or Bandar Brunei), after which it was renamed in honour of the ruling Sultan's father, who assumed the title "Seri Begawan" after his abdication.

The city's development was driven by several strategic advantages. Its geographical position at the mouth of the Brunei River provided convenient access to the South China Sea, transforming the city into a vital maritime and trading hub, while the river served as a safe harbour and transport artery. For centuries, Bandar Seri Begawan was a bustling centre of commerce where local merchants exchanged camphor, pepper, and other goods with traders from China, India, and Arab countries. Furthermore, as the capital of the powerful Brunei Sultanate, the city was the centre of the region's political, religious, and administrative life, hosting the Sultan's residence and key state institutions.

The early life of the city was focused on the water. Culture and economy were shaped around the unique lifestyle of Kampong Ayer, where houses were built on stilts and connected by wooden walkways. The economy was based on fishing, shipbuilding, and handicrafts, such as silverware crafting and weaving. Culturally, the city developed under the strong influence of Malay traditions and Islam, which was reflected in the architecture, customs, and the central role of the Sultan in society.

Key Milestones in the History of Bandar Seri Begawan

• 6th–7th Centuries — First mentions of trading settlements on the Brunei River appear in Chinese and Arabic sources, considered the predecessors of the modern city.
• 1363 — Awang Alak Betatar embraces Islam, founds the Sultanate of Brunei under the name Muhammad Shah, and lays the foundations of the future capital.
• 15th–16th Centuries — During the reign of Sultan Bolkiah, the Bruneian Empire reaches its zenith, and the capital becomes a major centre of power and trade, controlling a large part of Borneo.
• 1521 — Sailors from Ferdinand Magellan's expedition become the first Europeans to visit the city, with their impressions recorded by Antonio Pigafetta.
• 1888 — Brunei becomes a British Protectorate, which significantly influences the political and administrative structure of the capital.
• 1906 — A British Resident is appointed to the city to advise the Sultan on administrative matters, strengthening British influence.
• 1920 — The settlement on land receives official city status and becomes the administrative centre of British possessions under the name Brunei Town (Bandar Brunei).
• 1929 — Commercial oil extraction begins in the vicinity, which radically changes the economy and stimulates the capital's development.
• 1941–1945 — The city, like all of Brunei, is under Japanese occupation during World War II.
• 1959 — Brunei's first constitution is adopted, granting the country internal self-government, with Brunei Town remaining its capital.
• 5 October 1970 — The city is renamed Bandar Seri Begawan in honour of the abdicated Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III.
• 1 January 1984 — Brunei proclaims full independence, and Bandar Seri Begawan becomes the capital of a sovereign state.
• 2007 — The city's territory is significantly expanded by the Sultan's decree, facilitating its further growth and modernization.

Stages of the Capital's Transformation

The development of Bandar Seri Begawan is a story of how a modest settlement on water turned into a thriving and modern capital. Key transformations were driven by economic discoveries, wise urban planning, and a commitment to preserving cultural identity.

• Discovery of Oil Fields (1929): The discovery and commencement of commercial oil extraction in the city's vicinity, particularly at the Seria field, became a turning point. This event laid the economic foundation for the future prosperity of Brunei and its capital, ensuring funding for large-scale infrastructure and social projects.
• Era of Modernization under Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III (1950–1967): The reign of the 28th Sultan, known as the "Architect of Modern Brunei," was marked by active construction and development. It was during this time that iconic structures were erected, including the magnificent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (1958), which became the symbol of the city. This stage defined the transition from traditional development to a modern urban landscape.
• Renaming of the City (1970): The city, previously known as Brunei Town, was officially renamed Bandar Seri Begawan. This was done in honour of the abdicated Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, highlighting his contribution to the nation's development and marking a new stage in the capital's history.
• Attainment of Full Independence (1984): Bandar Seri Begawan became the capital of a sovereign state, which spurred the construction of new government buildings and the strengthening of its administrative status. The city firmly established itself as the political and cultural centre of the nation.
• Urban Expansion (2007): By decree of the Sultan, the city's territory was significantly increased — from 12.87 to 100.36 square kilometres. This step was aimed at creating a more effective urban management system and planning the capital's further sustainable growth.
• Implementation of "Wawasan Brunei 2035" Strategy: Adopted in 2007, this long-term development strategy aims to diversify the economy to reduce dependence on the oil and gas sector. For Bandar Seri Begawan, this means the development of tourism, the financial sector, and modern infrastructure, shaping its image as a dynamic and forward-looking city.

The architectural appearance of Bandar Seri Begawan represents a unique blend of ancient traditions, colonial heritage, and modern Islamic architecture, reflecting the stages of its rapid development. From a humble "village on water" to a brilliant capital, the city has transformed under the influence of cultural and economic factors.

Traditional Malay Architecture and the "Water Village"

The historical core of the city is Kampong Ayer, the world's largest water settlement, with a history spanning over a thousand years. This area is essentially a city within a city, formed of thousands of houses built on stilts over the Brunei River. The architecture here is completely subservient to the environment: lightweight wooden structures with high roofs for ventilation are connected by a network of walkways. This traditional way of life retains its significance to this day, demonstrating centuries of human adaptation to life on the river.

Colonial Heritage and Land Development

In the early 20th century, during the British protectorate period, active development of the city on land began. This stage was marked by the appearance of administrative buildings and districts with two-story shophouses, characteristic of many Southeast Asian cities of that time. The architecture of this period was primarily functional and laid the foundation for the modern city centre, shifting the focus from the water's surface to solid ground.

Era of Islamic Modernism

The true architectural flourishing of Bandar Seri Begawan began in the second half of the 20th century, thanks to revenues from oil extraction. This period is inextricably linked with the reign of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, referred to as the "Architect of Modern Brunei."

• Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (1958): This place of worship became the symbol of the era and the capital's calling card. Its architecture harmoniously combines motifs of the Mughal Empire and elements of the Italian Renaissance, which was the idea of an Italian architect. Built in an artificial lagoon, the mosque, with its marble minarets and a main dome covered in pure gold, dominates the cityscape and is a striking example of modern Islamic architecture.

Modern Architecture and Symbols of Prosperity

The modern stage of the city's development emphasizes wealth and adherence to Islamic values. Architecture is becoming even more monumental and luxurious.

• Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque (1992): Built to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the current Sultan's reign, this mosque surpasses the previous one in size and is the largest in the country. Its 29 golden domes symbolize the 29th ruler of the dynasty, and its majestic minarets are visible from many points in the city.
• Istana Nurul Iman Palace: The official residence of the Sultan, recognized as one of the largest residential palaces in the world. This gigantic structure, boasting 1,788 rooms, combines Islamic and Malay motifs in a grandiose modern execution.
• Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex (1996): A major commercial and civic centre in the heart of the city, the architecture of which unites modern Western approaches with traditional Malay elements, such as characteristic roof shapes.

Founders and Rulers

The history of Bandar Seri Begawan is inextricably linked with the ruling dynasty. Key figures who defined the fate of the city are the monarchs of different eras.

• Muhammad Shah (Awang Alak Betatar): Considered the founder of the Sultanate of Brunei and the first ruler to embrace Islam in the 14th century. It was he who laid the foundations of statehood, centred around the settlement on the Brunei River, the predecessor of the modern city.
• Sultan Bolkiah (Nakhoda Ragam): The fifth Sultan of Brunei (reigned in the 15th–16th centuries), during whose time the empire reached its "Golden Age." The capital was the centre of a vast maritime power controlling a large part of the island of Borneo and other territories.
• Omar Ali Saifuddien III: The 28th Sultan of Brunei (1950–1967), known as the "Architect of Modern Brunei." During his reign, active development of the city on land began, and the famous mosque bearing his name was built. It was in his honour that Brunei Town was renamed Bandar Seri Begawan.
• Hassanal Bolkiah: The current, 29th Sultan of Brunei, reigning since 1967. Under him, Brunei gained full independence, and the capital transformed into a modern, thriving metropolis. Iconic structures such as the Istana Nurul Iman Palace and the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque were built.
• Pengiran Anak Sarah: The wife of the Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah Bolkiah, the Crown Princess of Brunei. As a prominent member of the Royal Family and the future Queen Consort, she plays an important role in the social and cultural life of the capital, participating in official events and charitable initiatives.