Relation between the Ottoman Empire and the Johor Sultanate: Perception and Influence

Abstract

The relationship between the Malay World and the Middle East, including Ottoman Empire is a very interesting subject to discuss. The said region became an attention to the Malay society to gain education and knowledge as well as claiming experience in reform movement and the expansion of politics. This paper work will discuss the relationship between Ottoman Empire and Johor Sultanate. As the last empire that accepts the British Resident, Johor Sultanate had been seen as the Malay Empire that has the strength of its own especially during the Sultan Abu Bakar’s reign. The relationship between Ottoman Empire and Johor Sultanate starts during Sultan Abu Bakar’s reign when he visited Istanbul on his way to visit Europe. As the result of the connection between these two empires, it can be seen that Ottoman Empire were given respect as they were the capital of an Islamic empire. The thought flourish and became an influence to the community of Malay of Johor and can be identified through the poems such as ‘Syair Sultan Abu Bakar’ and ‘Syair Almarhum Baginda Sultan Abu Bakar in Johor State’ as well as the introduction to Majalah Ahkam Johore.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n2s1p405