| Rajah Sulayman | |
|---|---|
| Rajah of Maynila | |
| Reign | 1571 – 1575 |
| Titles | Rajah Muda |
| Predecessor | Rajah Matanda (Namayan) |
| Successor | Magat Salamat |
| Royal House | Kingdom of Namayan, Tondo and Sabag |
Rajah Sulayman (1558–1575[1], derived from Arabic: سليمان) was the Muslim Rajah of Maynila, a kingdom at the mouth of the Pasig River where it meets Manila Bay, at the time the Spanish forces first came to Luzon.[2][3][4]
Sulayman resisted the Spanish forces, and thus, along with Rajah Matanda and Lakan Dula, was one of three Rajahs who played significant roles in the drama that was the Spanish conquest of the kingdoms of the Pasig River delta in the early 1570s.[5]
Contents |
Spanish documents say his people called him "Rajah Mura" or "Rajah Muda" (a Sanskrit title for a Prince). The Spanish transcription of "Rajah Mura" is Young Rajah, a reference to the fact that he was Rajah Matanda's nephew and heir to the throne. The Spaniards called him "Rajah Solimano el Mow".[1]
Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi, searching for a suitable place to establish his capital after being compelled to move from Cebu to Panay by Portuguese pirates and hearing of the existence of a prosperous Kingdom in Luzon, sent an expedition under Martín de Goiti and Juan de Salcedo to explore its location and potentials.[6]
Goiti anchored at Cavite and established his authority peaceably by sending a message of friendship to various tribes in Manila. Rajah Sulayman, who had been ceded authority over their settlements by his aging uncle Rajah Matanda, was willing to accept the friendship that the Spaniards were offering, but did not want to submit to its sovereignty unto them, and waged war against them due to disputes and hostility. As a result, Goiti and his army attacked the Muslim tribes on June 1570, and occupied the villages, before returning to Panay.[6]
In 1571, the Spaniards returned, this time led by López de Legazpi himself along with his entire force (consisting of 280 Spaniards and 600 native allies). Seeing them approach, the natives set their villages on fire and fled to Tondo, and neighboring villages. The Spaniards occupied Manila and established a settlement.[6]
With this victory, Rajah Matanda, Lakan Dula and Rajah Sulayman eventually accepted Spanish rule and were converted to Christianity. López de Legazpi granted them with encomienda (trusteeship) of Manila and Tondo under the dominion of Spain. With this recognition came an exemption from tribute and forced labor, which their families enjoyed until 1884 and the exclusive right for the Lakan Dula and Sulaiman Dynasty to keep their family names.[5]
After the establishment of settlements, Rajah Matanda died and Rajah Sulayman ascended to his uncle's position. With Spanish approval, López de Legazpi gave Rajah Sulayman the settlements of Manila on April 1572.[1]
When López de Legazpi died in 1572, his successor, Governor-General Guido de Lavezaris, did not honor the agreements with Rajah Sulaiman III and Lakan Dula. He sequestered the properties of the two chieftains and tolerated Spanish atrocities.[5] In response, Rajah Sulaiman III and Lakan Dula led a revolt in the villages of Navotas in 1574, taking advantage of the confusion brought about by the attacks of Chinese pirate Limahong. This is often referred to as the "Manila revolt of 1574" but is sometimes referred to as the "Sulaiman revolt" and the "Lakan Dula revolt." Since it involved naval forces, the Sulayman Revolt is also known as the "First Battle of Manila Bay".[5]
Friar Geronimo Marían and Juan de Salcedo were tasked with pursuing conciliatory talks with various tribes. Lakan Dula and Rajah Sulaiman III agreed on Salcedo's peace treaty and an alliance were formed between the two groups.[5]
Rajah Sulayman died in battle defending Manila from the Spanish.[7]
Some controversy exists about the identity of the leader of the Macabebe people that initiated the Battle of Bangkusay in 1571. That chieftain, is referred to by Philippine historians as Tarik Sulayman.[8] In some versions of the Battle of Bangkusay, Tarik Sulayman of Macabebe and Rajah Sulaiman III of Manila are the same person.[9] Other versions contend that they are different people with the same name.[10] Some have even suggested that the two men were related.
Spanish documents do not identify the leader of the Macabebe people by name, but record that he died during the Battle of Bangkusay, resulting in a Macabebe retreat and a Spanish victory.[10][11] Rajah Sulaiman III of Manila is clearly recorded as participating in the battle in 1574.
<ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named http:.2F.2Fwww.waymarking.com.2Fwaymarks.2FWMAY5X_Rajah_Sulayman__Manila_Philippines; see Help:Cite errors/Cite error references no text| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Rajah Sulaiman II |
Rajah of Namayan 1571–1575 |
Succeeded by Magat Salamat as Chieftain without a title in the Cabeza de Barangay (leader of the Municipality). |
| Preceded by Lakan Dula |
Rajah of Tondo and Sabag 1571–1575 |
|