The History of Aceh
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| Lampuuk, Aceh - Indonesia |
The History of Aceh
Aceh, at the northwestern end of Sumatra, came into contact with the outside world as early as the sixth century AD. Chinese chronicles of that time speak of a kingdom on the northern tip of Sumatra named Po-Li. Several Arabic writings of the early ninth century, and later inscriptions found in India mention the area. In 1292, Marco Polo, on his voyage from China to Persia visited Sumatra and reported that on the northern part of Sumatra there were as many as six trading ports including Ferlec, Samudera and Lambri. It is ironic that this area is presently one of the least known of Indonesia.
Islam
is reported to have reached Aceh between the seventh and eighth centuries AD
and the first Islamic kingdom, Perlak was established in 804 AD. Then followed
Samudera Pasai in 1042, Tamiah in 1184, Aceh in 1205 and Darussalam in 1511. In
this year the Portuguese captured Malacca and many Asian and Arabic traders
sought to avoid the Malacca Strait and called instead on Aceh's port, bringing
wealth and prosperity. Aceh's dominance in trade and politics in northern parts
of Sumatra began, reaching a climax between 1610 and 1640.
With the death of Sultan Iskandar Thani in 1641, Aceh's decline
began. The British and Dutch both started to vie for influence. In 1824 the
London Treaty was signed, giving the Dutch control over all British possessions
in Sumatra in return for a Dutch surrender of their establishments in India and
an abrogation of all claims on Singapore. The Dutch fought a long drawn out
struggle in their attempt to subdue the Acehnese. The Aceh War, which lasted
intermittently from 1873 to 1942, was the longest ever fought by Holland and
cost the Dutch more than 10,000 lives. This struggle has stamped a deep imprint
on the Acehnese outlook and mentality.
The era
of industrialization arrived, and with it has come a more open attitude towards
things alien. Visitors should keep in mind, though, that the Acehnese take
their religion, their manners and their morals seriously.
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