Malacca history

Foundation and the Legend of the Mousedeer

The origins of the city date back to the beginning of the 15th century (around 1400). The founder is considered to be Parameswara, a prince from Palembang who was forced to flee Temasek (Singapore) due to a conflict with enemies. Arriving at the mouth of the Bertam River on the coast of modern-day Malaysia, he decided to establish a new settlement.

According to a famous legend from the "Malay Annals," the prince was resting during a hunt under a shady tree when he saw a small mousedeer (kancil) bravely fight off his hunting dog and kick it into the water. Impressed by the courage of the animal on this land, Parameswara decided to build a city here and named it Malacca — in honour of the tree (Melaka tree) under which he was sitting.

Key Factors of Formation

The rapid rise of Malacca from a fishing village to a vital port in Southeast Asia was predetermined by a number of reasons:

• Strategic Geography: The city was situated at the narrowest point of the Strait of Malacca, where ships were protected from monsoons. The deep-water harbour allowed for the safe accommodation of large trading vessels.
• Diplomacy and Protection: Wise foreign policy, including the recognition of the suzerainty of the Chinese Ming Dynasty (following the historic visits of Admiral Zheng He), ensured the young state protection against an aggressive Siam.
• Free Trade: Unlike their competitors, the rulers of Malacca created a predictable and safe environment for merchants by building warehouses and implementing a fair port management system.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Already in the first decades of its existence, the city formed a unique character that became the foundation of its future greatness:

• Cosmopolitanism: Malacca became a meeting place for East and West. The Portuguese apothecary Tomé Pires wrote that 84 languages could be heard in the port. Here, Indian textiles were exchanged for Chinese porcelain and spices from the Moluccas.
• Spread of Islam: The adoption of Islam by the rulers (starting with Iskandar Shah) transformed the sultanate into a centre of religious enlightenment, which strengthened ties with wealthy Arab and Indian traders.
• Birth of Malay Identity: It was here that the classical Malay language became the lingua franca for trade and diplomacy throughout the archipelago, and local laws and customs became the standard for neighbouring states.

Key Dates in the History of Malacca

The history of Malacca is marked by a succession of eras and rulers, each leaving their mark on the city's appearance and culture. Here is a brief chronology of key events that shaped modern Malacca.

• Around 1400: The city was founded by the Sumatran prince Parameswara, who turned a fishing village into a future trade hub.
• 1405: The first visit of Chinese Admiral Zheng He, marking the beginning of diplomatic relations with the Ming Dynasty and ensuring protection for the city.
• 1414: Ruler Parameswara embraces Islam, establishing the Malacca Sultanate and turning the city into a centre for the spread of Islam in the region.
• 1511: Portuguese troops commanded by Afonso de Albuquerque capture Malacca, ending the era of the sultanate and beginning European colonial rule.
• 1641: The Dutch East India Company captures Malacca from the Portuguese after a long siege, establishing control for nearly 183 years.
• 1824: Under the Anglo-Dutch Treaty, Malacca is definitively transferred to the British Empire in exchange for other territories.
• 1826: Malacca, together with Penang and Singapore, becomes part of the British crown colony of the Straits Settlements.
• 1942–1945: The city is under Japanese occupation during World War II.
• 1957: Malaya declares independence from Great Britain, and Malacca becomes one of the states of the new nation.
• 2008: The historic centre of Malacca, along with George Town, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its unique multicultural heritage.

Key Milestones in the City's Development

The history of the city of Malacca is a unique example of how strategic location and shifting cultural influences shaped the appearance of one of Asia's most colourful places. Below are the main stages of the city's transformation:

• Rise of a Global Trade Emporium (15th Century)
  Transformation from a fishing village into a prosperous sultanate and the main port of Southeast Asia.
  Significance: The city became a centre for the spread of Islam and Malay culture in the region, laying the foundations of statehood and international trade.
• Portuguese Militarisation (1511)
  Capture of the city by Europeans and the construction of the mighty A'Famosa fortress, the walls of which defined the boundaries of the historic centre.
  Significance: Malacca became the first European outpost in the region, which introduced Catholic traditions and altered the urban plan to favour defensive functions.
• Dutch Urbanisation and Reconstruction (1641)
  Large-scale construction of administrative buildings from red brick and the creation of a drainage system.
  Significance: Formation of the recognisable architectural ensemble of the "Red Square" and the Stadthuys. During this period, the economic focus shifted from transit trade to control over the strait and tin mining.
• Flourishing of Peranakan Culture (19th–20th Centuries)
  Strengthening of the positions of wealthy Chinese clans (Baba-Nyonya) who assimilated with the local population.
  Significance: Emergence of the unique "Chinese Baroque" architectural style in residential developments (the famous shophouses) and the creation of distinctive cuisine and traditions.
• British Modernisation (from 1824)
  Inclusion in the Straits Settlements colony and the introduction of European legal and educational institutions.
  Significance: Although the port ceded primacy to Singapore, the city received modern infrastructure and preserved its historical charm, avoiding total industrial redevelopment.
• Symbol of Independence (1956)
  It was in Malacca that the imminent proclamation of the independence of the Federation of Malaya was first publicly announced.
  Significance: The city acquired the status of a patriotic centre of modern Malaysia, where the nation's freedom was born.
• Tourism Renaissance and UNESCO Status (2008)
  Inclusion of the historic centre in the World Heritage List.
  Significance: A cardinal economic transformation: tourism became the main driving force of development. Active restoration of monuments, revitalisation of old quarters, and the development of cultural clusters began.

The architecture of Malacca is a visual chronicle of its turbulent history, where Malay, Chinese, and European urban planning traditions are woven together in a small area. Each historical period left its unique mark on the city's appearance, thanks to which the historic centre of Malacca is today included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Portuguese Era (1511–1641): Fortification Architecture

With the arrival of the Portuguese, urban planning took on a primarily military character. They erected the powerful fortress A'Famosa, which was intended to protect the strategically important port. Stones from destroyed mosques and tombs were used for its construction. From this massive structure, only the Porta de Santiago gate has survived to this day. This style can be characterised as utilitarian military architecture of the late Renaissance, where functionality prevailed over decoration.

Dutch Period (1641–1824): Birth of the "Red Square"

Dutch rule gifted Malacca its most recognisable architectural ensemble. The central square, known as Dutch Square or Red Square, is built up with buildings of a characteristic terracotta colour. The main structures of this era are the Stadthuys (city hall, circa 1650) and Christ Church (1753). The Dutch colonial style, rooted in European Baroque, is characterised by massive walls, high windows, tiled roofs, and wrought-iron hinges on doors and shutters. These buildings were perfectly adapted to the tropical climate.

British Influence and Chinese Shophouses

The British, who gained control of Malacca in 1824, added elements of Victorian and Neoclassical styles to the architectural landscape, which is visible in some administrative buildings and the fountain in the Red Square. However, no less important was the contribution of the Chinese community to the city's appearance. It was during this period that Jonker Street and the surrounding quarters were actively developed. Here, the unique architectural style of Peranakan shophouses was formed — narrow and long houses combining Chinese decorative elements (carvings, ornaments) with European features, such as louvered windows and arches.

Parameswara (c. 1344–1414)

Role: Founder of the city and first ruler.

Significance: A Sumatran prince who, after being exiled from Singapore, founded Malacca around 1400. It was under his rule that a humble fishing village turned into a bustling trading port. Later, he embraced Islam, taking the name Iskandar Shah, and established the Malacca Sultanate, laying the foundation for the city's "Golden Age."

Tun Perak (died 1498)

Role: Bendahara (Prime Minister) of the Malacca Sultanate.

Significance: An outstanding statesman who served under four sultans. His wise policies and military talents contributed to the maximum expansion of Malacca's influence on the Malay Peninsula and in the region. He is considered the architect of the sultanate's prosperity, transforming Malacca into a powerful maritime empire.

Hang Tuah (15th Century)

Role: Legendary Admiral (Laksamana) and warrior.

Significance: Hang Tuah is one of the most revered heroes in Malay culture, a symbol of absolute loyalty to the Sultan. His exploits, mastery of martial arts, and diplomatic missions became the basis for numerous legends. His name is immortalised in the names of streets, buildings, and even educational institutions throughout Malaysia, and his story is an integral part of the national identity.

Sultan Mansur Shah (reigned 1459–1477)

Role: Sixth Sultan of Malacca.

Significance: His reign is considered the peak of the "Golden Age" of the Malacca Sultanate. During this period, the empire reached its greatest territorial extent, and the capital became one of the most important trade and cultural centres of Asia. Mansur Shah strengthened diplomatic ties and promoted the spread of Islam in the region.

St. Francis Xavier (1506–1552)

Role: Catholic Missionary.

Significance: One of the founders of the Jesuit order, who visited Malacca several times in the mid-16th century, using it as a base for his missionary journeys throughout Southeast Asia and the Far East. His activities left a deep mark on the history of Christianity in the region. One of the oldest churches in Malacca is named in his honour.

Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir (1796–1854)

Role: Writer, translator, and educator.

Significance: Known as Munshi Abdullah, he was born in Malacca and is considered the father of modern Malay literature. His autobiographical work "The Story of Abdullah" (Hikayat Abdullah) was innovative for its time, offering a realistic view of life and events in Malaya in the early 19th century. His works laid the foundations for the development of the modern Malay language and literature.

Tan Cheng Lock (1883–1960)

Role: Politician, businessman, and social activist.

Significance: A native of Malacca, Tan Cheng Lock was a key figure in the struggle for Malaysia's independence. He founded the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) to protect the rights and interests of the Chinese community and played an important role in forming the inter-ethnic alliance that led the country to independence. His activities contributed to creating the foundations of a multicultural Malaysian society.