Melaka is known as a historically rich state and is recognised as one which epitomised the spirit of a nation, forged through the crucible of a tumultuous and intricate history.
Founded in 1396, the Melaka Sultanate occupies a special position in the history of Malaysia. Its inauguration marked the beginning of the emergence of a new Malay empire. The birthplace of the Malay Sultanates and Malaysia's historic city, Melaka provided the stage on which the Portuguese, Dutch and English played out their roles in shaping history.
The Dutch, who held Melaka for over a century, left many fine buildings marking their heritage. The most imposing relic of the Dutch period is the Stadthuys, a strikingly pink town hall which is today the oldest Dutch building in the Far East. Right next to it stands the bright red ChristChurch, constructed with pink bricks imported from Holland and covered with local red lacerite. Today, these buildings together with the ruins of the Portuguese built A Famosa and St. Paul's Church are the most prominent reminders of the Europeans' presence in Melaka.
STATE EMBLEM
The five keris or swords represent five famous and brave warriors of ancient Melaka: Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekiu, Hang Lekir and Hang Kasturi. The crescent moon and star at the top centre are the symbols of Islam, the national religion. The tree and two mousedeers symbolise the tale of Melaka's founding. Parameswara had witnessed a fight between a mousedeer and a dog whilst resting beneath a Melaka tree. Impressed by the intelligence and prowess of the small-bodied mousedeer, he decided to set residence there and named it Melaka. The state motto reads "Unity is Strength".
