Fatahillah facts for kids
Fatahillah, also known as Fadhillah Khan or Falatehan, was a very important commander. He served the Demak Sultanate in Java. He is famous for leading the capture of a place called Sunda Kelapa in 1527. After his victory, he changed its name to Jayakarta, which is now Jakarta. One of his main goals was to help spread the religion of Islam in West Java. Today, Fatahillah is honored as a national hero in Indonesia.
Many things are named after him, like Fatahillah Square in Jakarta. Even a ship in the Indonesian Navy, called KRI Fatahillah (361), carries his name.
Who Was Fatahillah?
There are different ideas about where Fatahillah came from. One idea suggests he was from the Samudera Pasai Sultanate. This kingdom was located in what is now North Aceh Regency. He might have left after the Portuguese took over Malacca in 1511.
After leaving, Fatahillah traveled to Mecca. Later, he came to Java and joined the Demak Sultanate. This was during the time of Sultan Trenggana.
Another idea says Fatahillah was the son of a king from Mecca. This king supposedly married a princess from Pakuan Pajajaran, the capital of the Sunda Kingdom. Some historical records even suggest he was born in Central Asia, perhaps in Samarqand. He might have studied in Baghdad and worked for the Ottoman Empire before joining the Demak Sultanate.
Fatahillah's Family
Fatahillah had several children. Here are some of them:
- Kiai Bagus Abdurrahman
- Kiai Mas Abdul Aziz
- Ratu Darah Putih
- Maulana Abdullah
- Prince Sendang Garuda
Fatahillah and Sunan Gunung Jati
For a long time, some people thought Fatahillah and Sunan Gunung Jati were the same person. However, recent studies show they were actually two different important figures.
Sunan Gunung Jati was a great religious leader and preacher. His real name was Syarif Hidayatullah. He came from a family of scholars who traveled to spread Islam in Southeast Asia.
Fatahillah, on the other hand, was a military commander. His name was Fadhlulah Khan, which the Portuguese pronounced as Falthehan. He came from Pasai. When Pasai and Malacca were captured by the Portuguese, he moved to Java. He joined the Islamic sultanates of Demak and Cirebon to help them fight.
