Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City 2025 – April 15, 2025

History
Timeline
FAQs
Observe
Fact
Importance
Dates

Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City is observed on April 15 every year and we are here to show you how you can observe the day in the best way possible. Do you know that it has been 33 years since Malacca was declared a historic city? Malacca is a province in Malaysia. It is in the south of the Malay Peninsula. From the time of the Malay Sultanates to the post-colonial era, Malacca has been a place of historical significance. In 2008, Malacca City became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History of Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City

‘Parameswara,’ known as ‘Iskandar Shah,’ was the founder of the city of Malacca. The Malay Annals mention him as the ruler who ruled the Kingdom of Singapura ― present-day Singapore. After the naval invasion by the ‘Majapahit’ Empire, ‘Parameswara’ founded his new capital near the banks of the Bertam river in 1402. The new city developed quickly and soon became the capital of the Malacca Sultanate. The legend of ‘Malay Annals’ mentions that when ‘Parameswara’ reached the fishing village near the Bertam river, he saw a mouse-deer kicking his hunting dog into the water. ‘Parameswar’a saw this as a divine sign and decided to build his capital there.The new capital flourished; people cultivated crops like sugarcane, banana, and yam. The harbor was well-protected by a hill. Taking advantage of this, ‘Parameswara’ built a port to nurture trading and be a common place for exchanging goods and cargo. Soon the news of flourishing trade reached other parts of the world. The ‘Yongle Emperor’ in China sent his convoy to Malacca to establish trade between China and Malacca. In 1411, ‘Parameswara’ with his family went to China to visit the Emperor. ‘Parameswara’ was gifted silk and a yellow umbrella which symbolized royalty.In 1511, Portuguese admiral ‘Alfonso de Albuquerque’ reached the shores of Malacca with 1,200 men and seized the city. The Portuguese now controlled international trade. Later in the sixteenth century, the Dutch launched a series of attacks on Portuguese-occupied Malacca. Malacca became a part of Britain with the Anglo-Dutch treaty of 1824. In 1946, Malacca became a part of the Malayan Union. On April 15, 1989, Malacca was declared a historical city.

Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City timeline

1402 A.D.

The Inception of Malacca

King Parameswara establishes the city of Malacca.

1511

The Portuguese Invasion

Portuguese admiral Alfonso de Albuquerque seizes the city of Malacca.

1824

The Union of Malacca and Britain

Malacca becomes a part of Britain under the Anglo-Dutch treaty.

1989

The Recognition of a Historical City

Malacca gets declared a historical city on April 15, 1989.

Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City FAQs

When did the ‘golden age’ of Malacca end?

It ended in 1511. This was when Malacca fell to the Portuguese Empire.

What are the main reasons for the Portuguese capturing Malacca?

Portuguese king, King Manuel I wanted to conquer Malacca to control trades and foil Muslim shipping in the region.

Why did Malacca decline as a port city?

Several incidents led to the decline of Malacca as a port city. The plague hit Malacca after the Dutch’s attack weakened it. Eventually, the Dutch occupied the port, followed by the British favoring other ports.

How to Observe Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City

Visit Malacca city

Malacca city is a place of historical significance that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. It’s known for its antique shops, night markets, and religious edifices among other important sites.
Share the information on social media

Let everyone know you're celebrating this day. Write articles on Malacca city and the ‘Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City’ and share them on social media.
Learn more about Malacca

Learn more about the history of this land. Learn how Malacca served as an important trading point between the straits of Malacca and how different rulers changed the fate of Malacca over the centuries.

5 Facts About Malacca City

The city is named after a tree

The city of Malacca got its name from the Malacca tree under which Parameswara was resting.
It was the first maritime kingdom

Malacca was the most influential port and first prominent maritime kingdom in the Malay Archipelago.
It has the oldest church in Malaysia

St. Peter's Church in Malacca is the oldest Malaysian Roman Catholic Church.
It’s the setting of a Malaysian Folklore

The fairytale of Puteri Gurung and Sultan Muhammad Syah transpired in Malacca.
It is home to a hybrid cuisine

The Malaccan local cuisine is known as the Peranakan or Nyonya cuisine and it is a mix of Chinese ingredients, Malaysian and Indonesian cooking techniques as well as spices.

Why Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City is Important

It gives us a chance to explore Malacca city

Malacca city is a tourist attraction. Apart from its historic sites, Malacca is known for its cultural connotations and antique markets.
It allows us to learn about cultures

This day is the perfect opportunity to learn and discover new cultures. It allows us to discuss the similarities and differences between different lands and cultures.
It gives us a chance to learn history

This day gives us a chance to learn about the history of Malacca, one of the most influential trading cities in history. We discover the power shifts in the city, how trading practices changed over time, and Malacca's significance in the twenty-first century.