The vast majority of Arabs in Malaya migrated from Hadhramaut in southern Yemen, and the rest came from other parts of the Arab world. They gained significant influence among the Malays, who regarded them as descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (Sayyids), which earned them special consideration in Muslim society. Their contribution to the spiritual, intellectual, and economic development of Malay society is indisputable. However, Malay historical sources also document Sayyids involved in piracy, the opium trade, and the arms trade, and linked to criminal secret societies. Sayyid merchants frequently bypassed Dutch and British customs posts to trade directly with local Malay and Bugis chiefs. A comparative analysis of Malay historical sources and scholarly studies on the Archipelago’s medieval history offers a clearer picture of the Sayyid clans’ lifestyle and their role in Malay Muslim society.
language: English
Time: October 9, 16:00
Location: Ilia State University, 201/202 meeting hall of Building S, Acad. G. Tsereteli Pass N1-3
Attendance is free.
