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Kedah

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Kedah is a state located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. It is known by the honorific name Darul Aman, which means "The Safe Abode" in Arabic. The state is the eighth largest in Malaysia by land area. It also ranks as the eighth most populated state in the country. Kedah consists of a mainland portion and the Langkawi islands.

The geography of Kedah features diverse landscapes. Much of the state is covered by the Kedah–Perlis Plain. This area is relatively flat and contains alluvial soil. This type of soil is very good for farming. For centuries, most of these plains have been used to grow rice.

Kampung Sungai Meriam 2
Kampung Sungai Meriam 2

In contrast, the northeastern and southeastern parts are mountainous. These regions include the districts of Padang Terap, Sik, Baling, Kulim, and Bandar Baharu. The Bintang Range forms part of the boundary here. Mount Bintang is the highest point in the state. Some areas also feature karstic terrain. This includes limestone hills known as mogotes.

Kedah has a very long and complex history. Archaeological evidence in the Bujang Valley suggests ancient settlements existed as early as 110 AD.

Candi Batu Pahat of Bujang Valley
Candi Batu Pahat of Bujang Valley

Researchers found remains of temples, jetties, and iron smelting sites there. These discoveries suggest that ancient Kedah was a major maritime trading route. It likely connected with South Indian Tamil kingdoms. Because of this, Kedah may be one of the oldest settlements in Southeast Asia. The state was known by many names in ancient literature. The Tamils called it Kadaram. Arab writers used names like Qilah or Kalah. Buddhist monks also recorded a kingdom called Ka-Cha in this region.

Throughout history, many different powers influenced the area. In the seventh and eighth centuries, Kedah was under the loose control of Srivijaya. The Chola kings from South India invaded and occupied Kedah in 1025. Later, the Kedah Sultanate was established. According to the Kedah Annals, a Hindu king named Merong Mahawangsa founded the state. The transition to an Islamic sultanate is recorded in different ways. Some texts say King Phra Ong Mahawangsa converted in 1136. Other accounts suggest the conversion happened around 1474. In the 17th century, Kedah faced attacks from the Portuguese and Aceh. Later, the state was under Siamese control as Syburi. It was eventually transferred to British rule in 1909 through the Anglo-Siamese Treaty.

The political structure of modern Kedah includes a constitutional monarchy. The Sultan of Kedah is the hereditary ruler. He holds his office for life and serves as the head of Islam. The current Sultan is Sallehuddin, who began his reign on September 12, 2017.

PROPHET MUHAMMAD (8413709571)
PROPHET MUHAMMAD (8413709571)

The executive power is shared with the State Executive Council. This council is led by the Menteri Besar. The Menteri Besar is the head of the state government. The Kedah State Legislative Assembly makes laws specifically for the state. Members of this assembly are elected every five years.

Demographically, Kedah is a heterogeneous state. The majority of the population are native Kedahan Malays. There are also significant Chinese, Indian, Siamese, and Semang minorities. A specific group known as the Sam Sam people exists as well. They are culturally Malay Muslim but still speak a Siamese language. You can find these communities in places like Changlun and Jitra. The Orang Asli include the Kensiu and Kintaq people. These groups are mainly located in the Baling district.

mrsmmerbok
mrsmmerbok

Modern Kedah is organized into 12 administrative districts. These include Kota Setar, which is the capital, and Langkawi.

Library building (Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology University, Kedah, Malaysia) (night view)
Library building (Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology University, Kedah, Malaysia) (night view)

The district of Kulim is notable for its Hi-Tech Industrial Park. This area has its own special local government. The state also manages many important departments. These include the State Forestry Department and the State Agriculture Department. These systems help manage the land and the people of Kedah.

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🖼️ Images & Media (14)
Allah_Selamatkan_Sultan_Mahkota_instrumental.ogg
File:Candi Batu Pahat of Bujang Valley.jpg
Candi Batu Pahat of Bujang Valley.jpg
File:Flag of Kedah (1821 - 1912).svg
Flag of Kedah (1821 - 1912).svg
File:Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year in Kedah, 2001-2024.png
Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year...
File:Kampung Sungai Meriam 2.jpg
Kampung Sungai Meriam 2.jpg
File:PROPHET MUHAMMAD (8413709571).jpg
PROPHET MUHAMMAD (8413709571).jpg
File:DUN Kedah 2023.svg
DUN Kedah 2023.svg
File:Library building (Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology University, Kedah, Malaysia) (night view).jpg
Library building (Asian Institute of...
File:mrsmmerbok.jpg
mrsmmerbok.jpg
File:Smjkchiomin.jpg
Smjkchiomin.jpg
File:Masjid Zahir.jpg
Masjid Zahir.jpg
File:Bukit Kayu Hitam check point.jpg
Bukit Kayu Hitam check point.jpg

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