Johor
Johor, formerly Johore (pronounced Dschohor; Jawi: جوهور, from the Arabic word Jauhar, translated: Precious Stones ) is the southernmost state of Malaysia.
The capital city and seat of the Sultan of Johor is Johor Bahru. Johor Lama was the ancient capital of the Sultanate.
Geography and location
Johor covers the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.
The east coast Johors is located on the South China Sea, the west coast of the Straits of Malacca. To the south, beyond which only about a kilometer wide Straits of Johor on an island city-state of Singapore and beyond again the Straits of Singapore.
In the north of Johor bordering the Malaysian states of Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang.
History
Founded in the early 16th century by the son Mahmud Shad, the last of the fleeing before the Portuguese Sultans of Malacca, it was integrated into the Johorreich that ruled the Riau archipelago. Although the re-conquest of Malacca seemed impossible fought and disturbed Johor, the Portuguese in whose reign 130 years and thus became the enemy for control of the Straits of Malacca.
The history of the first hundred years marked by a series of succession arguments and strategic alliances with regional clans and foreign powers, to keep the political and economic weight in the strait. In competition with Aceh, in northern Sumatra and Malacca under Portuguese domination, is Johor was constantly at war with his rival and forged alliances with friendly Malay states and of course with the Dutch. The Dutch conquered Malacca in 1641, together with Johor. Until 1660, the area flourished as a trade hub in which the traders had to pay any duties.
In the late 17th and early 18th century, the influence Johors and the Bugis from Sulawesi and the Minangkabau decreased from Sumatra were the dominant political power in the Johor - Riau Empire.
1819 broke apart the kingdom into two parts. The mainland was controlled by Temenggong, and the Sultanate of Linga from Bugis. In this period the modern history of Johor began. 1885 joined the Sultan Abu Bakar a treaty of friendship with Britain. In 1914 the country was a protectorate and part of the Unfederated Malay States.
Administrative districts
Administratively, Johor was divided until the end of 2007 in eight districts. In 2008, the districts Ledang and Kulaijaya were added.
Culture
Since its inception, the Sultanate experienced a strong cultural influence by Arab traders and Islam scholars, many of whom came from the Yemeni Hadramaut region. This, partially blended with Indian elements influence is evident in the characteristic of Johor dance forms Zapin and Hamdolok listed at family celebrations and religious festivals. The dance performances will be accompanied by orchestras, the leading melodic instrument, the lute Gambus, also comes from the Arab world.