History of Malacca

 Malacca history and legends go back as far as the late 14th century, starting from its humble beginnings as a coastal village and rise to prominence under the Malaccan Sultanate to cautionary tales of fairies and loyalty to the king. Locals believe the state’s impetus towards the development of what would eventually become Malaysia.

In 1396, a Sumatran prince by the name of Parameswara fled his country out of fear of the attacking Majapahit Empire. Landing in Temasek, he killed the local ruler and established himself over the island that is now known as Singapore. A few years later, he was driven out by a Thai-controlled army and once again, was left scouting for a new piece of land.

Eventually, he moved up the West Coast of Malaysia and founded Malacca. Legend says that he was resting under a tree when he saw a mouse deer kicking his hunting dogs into the river and they attacked it. Declaring the place to be auspicious, he decided to set up shop and named the place after the tree he was resting under Melaka. In 1414, Parameswara converted to Islam, leading him become Sultan of Malacca.

The city was also growing into a prominent trading ground for traders from across Asia, notably India, Arabia and China. As a result, many Chinese migrants settled here during this time, establishing the Peranakan culture for the future. Malacca also established contact with the Chinese empire through the explorer Zheng He to protect their territory from Siamese forces, culminating in the marriage of Sultan Mansur Shah and Hang Li Poh.