Kelantan

Kelantan occupies the northeastern Malay Peninsula, where the Kelantan River reaches the South China Sea. Its fertile river plain is enclosed by forested highlands, and the river links the coast with settlements inland. Malay courts and Muslim religious traditions shaped the region, while its position brought it into contact with neighbouring Patani, Terengganu and Siam.

In the eighteenth century Long Yunus established a new ruling dynasty in Kelantan after a long period of local conflict. His heirs contested power after his death, and neighbouring rulers intervened in the struggle. By the early nineteenth century Kelantan had entered Siam's sphere of influence. The history of its court reflects the changing alliances among the Malay states and their more powerful northern neighbour.

The later city of Kota Bharu lies here.