Fifth Sultan of Brunei. Considered one of the greatest of Brunei's sultans, Bolkiah ascended the throne in 1485 upon the abdication of his father, Sultan Sulaiman, and ruled until his own death in 1521. During his reign, the domain of Brunei was expanded to cover the entire island of Borneo. His victories over the kingdoms of Sulu and Seludang further extended Bruneian territory into the southern parts of the Philippines, which remain strongly Islamic to this day. The territorial scope of Brunei reached its zenith during his reign. Bolkiah traveled extensively through his kingdom and abroad to gain knowledge and insight to modernize his country. His habit of bringing a drum and lute along on his journeys earned him the nickname of "The Singing Admiral". He would also bring along pepper seeds which he would plant in the places he visited as a gesture of goodwill. His conquests and travels broadened international awareness of the kingdom of Brunei. He was succeeded by his son Abdul Kahar after his death.
Fifth Sultan of Brunei. Considered one of the greatest of Brunei's sultans, Bolkiah ascended the throne in 1485 upon the abdication of his father, Sultan Sulaiman, and ruled until his own death in 1521. During his reign, the domain of Brunei was expanded to cover the entire island of Borneo. His victories over the kingdoms of Sulu and Seludang further extended Bruneian territory into the southern parts of the Philippines, which remain strongly Islamic to this day. The territorial scope of Brunei reached its zenith during his reign. Bolkiah traveled extensively through his kingdom and abroad to gain knowledge and insight to modernize his country. His habit of bringing a drum and lute along on his journeys earned him the nickname of "The Singing Admiral". He would also bring along pepper seeds which he would plant in the places he visited as a gesture of goodwill. His conquests and travels broadened international awareness of the kingdom of Brunei. He was succeeded by his son Abdul Kahar after his death.
Bio by: Chris Nelson
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