Riau Sultanate

The Riau Sultanate was a historic Malay kingdom located in what is now Riau Province, Indonesia, from the 17th to the 19th century. It was an important maritime and trading power in Southeast Asia, known for its strategic position along vital shipping routes. The sultanate played a key role in regional politics, trade, and cultural exchange, maintaining its independence for much of its existence before gradually being absorbed into Dutch colonial territory in the late 19th century. Its legacy includes contributions to Malay culture, language, and Islamic practices in the region.