A UNESCO declared heritage city is storehouse of interesting colonial history and cultural experiences.
Malacca's cultural history began with the founding of the Malacca Sultanate in the early 15th century by Parameswara, a Sumatran prince. The sultanate grew rapidly due to its strategic position on the Malacca Strait, which allowed it to dominate regional maritime trade.
Islamic Influence: The conversion of Parameswara to Islam marked the beginning of Malacca as an Islamic sultanate, which later became a center for the spread of Islam in Southeast Asia. The cultural fusion between Malay traditions and Islamic practices formed the foundation of Malacca's Malay-Islamic identity.
Malay Language and Literature: Under the Malacca Sultanate, the Malay language became the lingua franca of the region, promoting a rich literary tradition. Works like the "Sejarah Melayu" (Malay Annals) chronicled the royal lineage, legends, and historical events of Malacca.