The Malacca Sultanate, also known as the Melaka Sultanate, was a significant polity in the history of the Malay Peninsula（Semenanjung Tanah Melayu). It was founded in the late 14th century, flourished in the 15th century, and came to an end in the early 16th century. It served as a central hub of politics, economy, and culture in the Malay world and played a pivotal role in the southward spread of Islam started from Sultan Muzaffar Shah(r.1459-1477).
Its founder, Parameswara, is believed to have been a descendant of the Srivijaya line or a noble from Palembang(in modern-day-Indonesia). In the waning years of Srivijaya and the rise of the Majapahit Empire, Parameswara was forced to flee. After a period of migration—first to Temasek (modern-day Singapore)—he eventually settled at the mouth of the Malacca River around the year 1400, where he established a city-state that became the Malacca Sultanate.
Recognizing the strategic value of Malacca's location—flanked by river and sea, with favorable trade winds and harbor—Parameswara built a capital there. Soon after, he converted to Islam and took the name Sultan Iskandar Shah. From this point forward, Malaccan rulers embraced Islam, making the Sultanate a key center for the religion's propagation in the Malay Archipelago.
Strategically located along the Maritime Silk Road, Malacca became a bustling entrepôt, linking East and West. During the reign of China's Yongle Emperor, Admiral Zheng He visited Malacca multiple times during his voyages. The Ming Dynasty formally recognized Malacca, conferring titles and seals upon its rulers, and the Sultanate thus became a tributary state under Chinese protection. Malacca also maintained diplomatic and trade relations with Siam, Java, India, and the Arab world. Its port flourished, and it became known as the "Venice of the East."
Domestically, the sultanate followed Malay customs and had a structured administration with officials such as the Bendahara (chief minister) and Shahbandar (harbor master). Its legal system was strict, and governance orderly. Culturally, under the influence of Islam, the use of Jawi script (Arabic script adapted for Malay) became widespread. Islamic schools and mosques were built, and historical works such as the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals) were compiled to record the dynasty's history. Malacca was instrumental in standardizing the Malay language and customs, laying the foundation for modern Malay identity.
The Sultanate saw its golden age under rulers like Sultan Muzaffar Shah and Sultan Mansur Shah (r. 1459–1477). During this era, Malacca's navy grew powerful, and its influence spread over Pahang, Terengganu, Johor, and Kedah. Through both diplomacy and military strength, it established a vast sphere of influence, with many vassal states.Siam(in modern-day-Thailand) in order to avoid Malacca Sultanate lost from his hand,he launched two campaign in 1447 and 1457,but each time he met with failure,his ambitious dashed against the tide of fate.
However, as with all great powers, decline followed prosperity. By the early 16th century, internal strife, courtly intrigue, and weakened defenses made Malacca vulnerable. This coincided with the arrival of European colonial powers.In 1509,Portuguese send a fleet of Portuguese and Diogo Lopes de Sequira to attempt Sultan Malacca built a business relationship and exploring potentiality of Asian. After that was 2 years ago,In July 1511,when its comes to a fleet of Portuguese and captain of Alfonso de Albuquerque to invansion Malacaa Sultanate.In 24 August 1511, Portuguese forces led by Afonso de Albuquerque captured Malacca. Sultan Mahmud Shah fled and attempted to regroup in Johor and Perak, but failed to reclaim his throne. The Sultanate was thus brought to an end.
Nonetheless, its cultural and religious legacy endured. Sultan Mahmud Shah's descendants established successor states such as the Sultanates of Johor and Perak, continuing the royal lineage. Malacca's influence extended beyond the peninsula to Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, and the surrounding seas. Its governance model, Islamic faith, literary tradition, and language all became benchmarks for Malay civilization.
To this day, the old city of Malacca stands as a testament to its glorious past. Its streets, mosques, and Portuguese relics remain, evoking memories of a once-mighty empire. Recognizing its historical significance, UNESCO designated Malacca a World Heritage Site, honoring its role as a crossroads of civilizations.
In conclusion, although the Malacca Sultanate's reign was relatively brief, its contributions to governance, religion, and culture left a lasting impact. It stands as an indelible monument in the annals of Southeast Asian history.