Brief Early History of George Town

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site George Town and Melaka ‘ Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca ’

The Straits of Melaka is a historic maritime route between China and India. Penang Melaka

The Northeast monsoon brought Chinese merchant ships from the East

While the Southwest monsoon brought traders from India and Arab from the West

By the 7 th century, Lembah Bujang in the north of the Straits of Melaka became a popular port. Merchant ships from India and China traded here, waiting until the next monsoon to move on to other destinations. Source: The Encyclopedia of Malaysia-Early History

In the 15 th century, the Malay sultanate of Melaka became the superpower in this region. The harbour of Melaka prospered into one of the world’s most important entrepots. Source: Malaysia-A Pictorial History 1400-2004

Then came the Portuguese in 1511 and the Dutch in 1604 searching for the abundant spices in this region. Each wanted to rule the Straits of Melaka by taking control of Melaka. The British followed from India, looking for a suitable base to compete with the Dutch in Melaka.

Source: Glimpses of Old Penang The story of Penang began in 1592, when the British Captain James Lancaster came to scout for a suitable port and military base. He stopped at “the isles of Pulo Pinaom” for rest and re-fitting.

Source: Malaya-Lifestyles1900-1930 The island of Penang belonged to Kedah at that time. There was already a small indigenous Malay community at the tip of the island called Tanjung Penaga

Source: Malaysia: A Pictorial History 1400-2004 In 1786, Captain Francis Light leased Penang from the Sultan of Kedah to establish a trading post for the East India Company. He named the town George Town after the King of England. The British flag was raised at the present site of Fort Cornwallis.

source: Penang Views 1770-1860 British made George Town a free port to attract migrants and traders from all over the world

Europeans Indians Chinese Achenese British made George Town a free port to attract migrants from everywhere Siamese Arabs Japanese Armenians Jews Burmese Source: Early Views of Penang & Malacca 1660-1880 Malays

Photo: Penang Postcard Collection 1899-1930s Some were brought here as labourers…

Source: Malaysia: A Pictorial History 1400-2004 Others came to provide their services

Some were here for humble earnings…

Source: Malaya-Lifestyles1900-1930 Some were here for humble earnings…

Source: Singapore- A Pictorial History 1819-2000 Others were in for the big money

Others were in for the big money

With the contributions from all these migrants, George Town grew into a sizeable town

Source: Penang Postcard Collection 1899-1930s Most importantly, George Town also grew as a key trading port in the Straits of Melaka

Source: Penang Postcard Collection 1899-1930s Source: Penang Postcard Collection 1899-1930s Most importantly, George Town also grew as a key trading port in the Straits of Melaka

Most importantly, George Town also grew as a key trading port in the Straits of Melaka Source: Malaysia: A Pictorial History 1400-2004

Most importantly, George Town also grew as a key trading port in the Straits of Melaka

George Town in 1930s. Photo: Penang Postcard Collection 1899-1930s

George Town in 1970s. Photo: Alex Koeig

Today, George Town has grown into a unique port city where the old and the new co-exist harmoniously.

a presentation by Copyright © 2010 No part of this presentation can be reproduced without permission from CHAT [email_address] Supported by MELAKA & GEORGE TOWN HISTORIC CITIES OF THE STRAITS OF MALACCA DIVISION OF INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY NETWORK GEORGE TOWN WORLD HERITAGE OFFICE

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Brief Early History of George Town

by chatpenang on Apr 08, 2010

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