Every year on April 15, Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City is observed, and we’re here to show you how to do so in the best manner possible. Do you know that Malacca was designated a historic city 33 years ago? Malacca is a Malaysian province. It is located in the southern portion of the Malay Peninsula. Malacca has been a significant historical location from the time of the Malay Sultanates to the post-colonial era. Malacca City was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
History of Malacca’s designation as a historical city
“Parameswara,” also known as “Iskandar Shah,” was the city’s progenitor. According to the Malay Annals, he governed the Kingdom of Singapura, which is modern-day Singapore. In 1402, after the ‘Majapahit’ Empire’s naval invasion, ‘Parameswara’ founded his new capital on the banks of the Bertam river. The new city grew rapidly and shortly became the capital of the Sultanate of Malacca. According to the legend in ‘Malay Annals,’ when ‘Parameswara’ arrived at the fishing village near the Bertam river, he witnessed a mouse-deer kicking his hunting canine into the water. This was interpreted by Parameswara as a divine portent, and he decided to build his capital there.
People cultivated sugarcane, bananas, and yams in the new capital, which flourished. The harbour was effectively guarded by a hill. Taking advantage of this, ‘Parameswara’ constructed a port to foster trade and serve as a hub for the exchange of products and cargo. The news of the thriving economy quickly spread to the rest of the globe. China’s “Yongle Emperor” dispatched his convoy to Malacca in order to establish trade between China and Malacca. In 1411, ‘Parameswara’ travelled to China with his family to pay a visit to the Emperor. The symbol of nobility, silk and a yellow umbrella were presented to ‘Parameswara’ as a gift.
In 1511, the Portuguese admiral Alfonso de Albuquerque landed in Malacca with 1,200 soldiers and conquered the city. Now, the Portuguese dominate international trade. In the latter half of the sixteenth century, the Dutch launched a succession of assaults against Portuguese-held Malacca. With the Anglo-Dutch treaty of 1824, Malacca became a British colony. Malacca was incorporated into the Malayan Union in 1946. On April 15, 1989, Malacca was designated a city of historical significance.
5 FACTS ABOUT THE CITY OF MALACCA
The city is named after a species of tree.
Malacca derives its name from the Malacca tree beneath which Parameswara rested.
It was the initial maritime monarchy.
Malacca was the Malay Archipelago’s most influential port and first prominent maritime kingdom.
It contains Malaysia’s earliest church
Malacca’s St. Peter’s Church is the earliest Roman Catholic church in Malaysia.
This is the location of a Malaysian folktale.
Malacca was the setting for Puteri Gurung and Sultan Muhammad Syah’s narrative.
It features a hybrid cuisine.
The local cuisine of Malacca is known as Peranakan or Nyonya cuisine and is a combination of Chinese ingredients, Malaysian and Indonesian culinary techniques, and spices.
DECLARATION OF MALACCA AS A HISTORICAL CITY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 15 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 15 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 15 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 15 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 15 | Thursday |
