Sultanate of Ternate

Quick Facts: Who was Sultanate of Ternate?

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Sultanate of Ternate

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Ancient Muslim Indonesian sultanate, a major spice trade power rivaling Tidore.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Sultanate of Ternate (Jawi: کسلطانن ترناتي), previously known as the Kingdom of Gapi, is one of the oldest Muslim kingdoms in Indonesia besides the sultanates of Tidore, Jailolo, and Bacan. Ternate was a rival of the Sultanate of Tidore for control of the spice trade in the historical eastern Indonesia. The Ternate kingdom was established by Momole Cico, the first leader of Ternate, with the title Baab Mashur Malamo, traditionally in 1257. It reached its Golden Age during the reign of Sultan Baabullah (1570–1583) and encompassed most of the eastern part of Indonesia and a part of southern Philippines. Ternate was a major producer of cloves and a regional power from the 15th to 17th centuries.

Career & Major Achievements

The dynasty founded by Cico continues to the present, as does the Sultanate itself, although it no longer holds any political power. The sultanate was originally named the Kingdom of Gapi, but was later renamed for its capital, Ternate. Originally there were four villages in Ternate, led by clan leaders called Momole. The villages mainly traded spices with Arab, Malay, and Chinese traders. These lucrative trades attracted pirates and because of this, a kingdom emerged.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

According to one version, Momole Guna of Tobona suggested a forum in which a stronger organization of kingdom would be adopted. Momole Cico was elected to be the first Gapi king with regnal name Baab Mashur Malamo. According to another version, the ancestor of the Malukan kings was an Arab descendant of the Prophet called Jafar Sadik. Coming to Ternate, he encountered a nymph (bidadari) from heaven (kayangan) called Nurus Safa. Their four sons were the dynastic ancestors of Bacan, Jailolo, Tidore, and Ternate.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1257: 1257 Milestone — The Ternate kingdom was established by Momole Cico, the first leader of Ternate, with the title Baab Mashur Malamo, traditionally in 1257.
2. 1570: 1570 Milestone — It reached its Golden Age during the reign of Sultan Baabullah (1570–1583) and encompassed most of the eastern part of Indonesia and a part of southern Philippines.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Sultanate of Ternate

True or False: “The Ternate Sultanate's primary rivalry during its peak was with the neighboring Sultanate of Bacan.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Ternate's dominant and defining rivalry for control of the spice trade was historically with the nearby Sultanate of Tidore.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Endō Naotsune — Historical peer (Died in 1570) (1570): Fierce warrior and officer under the Azai clan during Japan's Sengoku period.
• Albrecht von Wallenstein — Historical peer (Born in 1583) (1583): Bohemian military leader and statesman, key figure in the Thirty Years' War.
• Axel Oxenstierna — Historical peer (Born in 1583) (1583): Influential Swedish statesman, Lord High Chancellor, and architect of modern Swedish governance.

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