The History of the Demak Kingdom, the First Islamic Sultanate in Java

The history of the Demak Sultanate is well-known for its role in the spread of Islam in the archipelago. This kingdom was even one of the largest Islamic kingdoms on the island of Java. You can recognize this historical story very strongly and see several historical relics that can be visited. Curious? Let's take a peek at the story of the Demak Sultanate below.

The Journey of the Demak Sultanate

The Demak Sultanate is located on the northern coast of Demak. This kingdom was founded by Raden Fatah, the last son of the Majapahit King in the 15th century. The establishment of this kingdom occurred during the spread of news about the fall of the Majapahit Kingdom, which caused several regions under its power to break away.

The condition of the northern coastal area, which became an important trade point, allowed this kingdom to develop rapidly. Demak was even very famous as a pioneer in the strong spread of Islam. One of them is the teachings of the Javanese Wali Songo. More specifically, here are some kings who led the Demak Sultanate from beginning to end.

1. Raden Fatah (1475-1518)

As the first king and founder, Raden Fatah marks the beginning of the history of the Demak Sultanate. Raden Fatah even had a significant influence on the spread of Islam while still under the power of the Majapahit Kingdom. 

Eventually, the increasingly weakened condition of the Majapahit Kingdom led to internal conflicts, and Demak grew into an independent region.

This condition even caused Raden Fatah to start building the first Islamic power in Java by defeating various other kingdoms. 

Raden Fatah began his reign by centralizing power on the northern coast and controlling the Port City of Demak in 1475. This condition certainly marked the beginning of the establishment of this kingdom.

Read Also: Once Prosperous, This is the History of the Sriwijaya Kingdom from the Beginning

2. Pati Unus (1518-1521)

The territory of the Demak Sultanate was succeeded by Pati Unus after Raden Fatah passed away. Pati Unus, as the holder of power, was Raden Fatah's brother-in-law because his biological son named Trenggana was still too young. 

Pati Unus even had a strong determination to expand power, earning him the title of Pangeran Sabrang Lor.

Pati Unus even dared to attack the Portuguese power in Malacca, as it was considered a disturbance to the Demak Sultanate. The history of the Demak Sultanate has Pati Unus with significant contributions in building naval military strength and establishing a military port in Teluk Wetan, Jepara. Unfortunately, Pati Unus fell in the second assault on Malacca in 1521.

3. Trenggana (1521-1546)

As the son of Raden Fatah, Trenggana eventually replaced Pati Unus as the king of the Demak Sultanate. Trenggana was very instrumental in spreading Islam and conquering several regions on the island of Java. These regions included Sunda Kelapa, Banten Girang, Pasundan Madura, and the Blambangan area.

Trenggana even became the greatest king in the Demak Sultanate during his reign. He also succeeded in having the greatest power in Java and made the Demak region the main port for trade points. Nevertheless, Sultan Trenggana eventually passed away in 1546 and was succeeded by Sunan Prawata.

4. Sunan Prawata (1546-1547)

However, the history of the Demak Sultanate during this time began to experience decline. The sudden succession led to a power struggle initiated by Pangeran Surowiyoto or Pangeran Sekar. This caused Sunan Prawata to murder Pangeran Surowijoyo.

Knowing this condition, public support for Sunan Prawata's power began to fade. He even moved the center of the Demak Sultanate's power to Prawoto, Pati, Central Java. 

However, this reign did not go smoothly as Sunan Prawata was killed by his son named Arya Panangsang in 1547.

5. Arya Penangsang

Arya Penangsang, who succeeded in occupying the throne of this kingdom, also eliminated Pangeran Hadiri or Kalinyamat as the ruler of Jepara. This condition even triggered turmoil among the Demak nobles. 

Worse, this condition would only lead to a power struggle, causing the Demak Sultanate to begin to collapse. Nevertheless, Arya Penangsang managed to rule until 1554 and was killed by the Demak noble.

Read Also: The History of the Pajajaran Kingdom, the Last Hindu Kingdom in Java

Relics of the Demak Sultanate

The power struggle that occurred after the reign of Sultan Trenggana marked the beginning of the collapse of this kingdom. The history of the Demak Sultanate even reveals attempts at mutual assassination carried out by several individuals who wanted to occupy the throne of the Demak Sultanate. This condition truly led to the downfall of the Demak Sultanate in 1554.

The condition of the Demak Sultanate that has ended only leaves a few relics that can still be seen today. There is the Great Mosque of Demak, the bledeg door, soko guru, bedug and kentongan, the ablution pool site, maksurah, dampar kencana, and campa plates. 

Some of these relics are neatly stored in several places related to this kingdom.

The Demak Sultanate once successfully achieved glory by having its government center at a trade point and controlling several regions on the island of Java. 

Unfortunately, the conditions of war that ended in murder due to power struggles caused this kingdom to end. The throne was even seized by the Demak noble named Hadiwijaya and moved to Pajang.

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