CHENG HO GALLERY
THE EFFECTS OF CHENG HO’S VISIT TO MELAKA
Generally, Cheng Ho’s biggest legacy that still exist until today is Bukit China. Bukit China which was known as Bukit Sam Poh (Cheng Ho’s name) is the Melaka Empire’s historical heritage that is very famous in Malaysia and throughout this region. Bukit China which is situated in the east of The Melaka City is believed to have been the camping grounds of Cheng Ho’s nephews when they visited Melaka.
According to Fu Chunjiang in his book The Great Explorer Cheng Ho Ambassador of Peace, Cheng Ho is is the prominent minister who accompanied Hang Li Po, the Princess of the Emperor who married to Sultan Mansur Syah, Sultan of Melaka (1456-1477). The Sultan of Melaka built a palace for Princes Hang Li Po and houses for her 500 escort in Bukit China. At the foot of Bukit China there is Hang Li Po Well that is also known as Sultan’s Well. Nearby is the Cheng Ho Temple which was built in 1795 by the Chinese in memory of Cheng Ho’s visit. Until today Bukit China is the largest burial ground for Chinese, outside China. At its peak lies the graveyard for Muslims including the tomb of Panglima Pidie from Acheh who died during the war against Dutch in Melaka in 1547. Now Bukit China is one of the main attractions for tourist in Melaka.
Cheng Ho and other Chinese traders had influenced the life styles of the people in this region. These included aspects of knowledge, art, cltohing, food, architecture and others In remembrance of Cheng Ho’s trip to Melaka, Melaka Museums Corporation had established Admiral Cheng Ho Gallery located in History and Ethnography Museum. Chinese association also had built Cheng Ho Cultural Museum in Jalan Hang Jebat. A large mural depicting Cheng Ho’s visit to Melaka has been built in Kuala Lumpur National Museum. All these have shown the importance of Cheng Ho’s trip to Melaka in the 15th century.
BABA NYONYA
Apart from being known as Baba Nyonya, they are also referred as Peranakan race. The existence of Baba and Nyonya is due to the intermarriage between the immigrants from the mainland of China and the locals. Similarly, their way of life is comparable with the Malay communities’ life. They also use the Malay language as their official spoken language; wear batik sarong or pelekat as well as performing wedding ceremony similar to the Malay marital ceremony that is complemented with the giving of dowry inclusive of tepak sirih. They are also expert in Dondang Sayang, Keroncong and Pantun. In fact; these are accepted as part of their cultural heritage.
