History
History of Sulu
Discover the history of Sulu through the four-part historical account and extended historical essays.
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Rooted in history · Guided by tradition · Committed to the future
Royal Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo
The Royal Sultanate of Sulu (Sultaniyyah Sin Lupah Sug) is an Islamic Tausug state, a subnational monarchy within an autonomous region in the southern Philippines. Its territories include many islands in the Sulu Archipelago and Northern Borneo (Sabah).
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The Sultanate
History, institutions and identity
The Tausug people of Sulu have been a sovereign people for more than 600 years. Explore the Sultanate’s history, institutions, symbols and documentary record.
Institutions
Ruma Bichara
Learn about the Ruma Bichara, including the State Council, officers, ministers and Panglima structure.
Meet the council →Identity
Symbols & Nobility
Discover the heraldry, symbols, nobility and heraldic additiaments of the Sultanate.
View symbols →Reference
Sulu Documents
Explore historical documents and source material relating to the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo.
Open the archive →The Royal House
His Royal Majesty and the House of Kiram
Since 16 February 1986, the Royal House of Sulu has been headed by His Royal Majesty Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram, The 35th Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sovereign Head of the Tausug and Bangsa Sug, and Grand Sayyid of the Royal and Hashemite Order of the Pearl of Sulu.
His Royal Majesty Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram
He is the eldest son and Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of the late Sultan Mohammad Mahakuttah Abdulla Kiram who reigned from 1974 to 1986 and grandson of Sultan Mohammed Esmail Enang Kiram who reigned from 1950 to 1974.
Heritage & Activities
Living heritage and continuing activities
Explore the Astana Project, Beautiful Sulu, advocacy and campaigns, charity and community activities.
Featured heritage project
Astana Project
The Astana Project documents the restoration and preservation of the historic Darul Jambangan.
Explore the project →Royal Archives
The Royal Archives
Explore historical documents, correspondence, official records and other source material relating to the Sultanate.
Historical DocumentsBrowse original scans →
Official DocumentsBrowse by period →
Historical PressRead source material →
News ArchiveView past announcements →
The Royal and Hashemite Order
Order of the PearlThe dynastic order of the Royal House of Sulu and the premier institution and highest personal honour of and in the Royal Sultanate of Sulu.
The Royal Order
The Order of the Pearl
His Royal Majesty, the Head of the Royal House of Sulu, is the hereditary sovereign, fons honorum and Grand Sayyid of the Order.
Grades
Heraldic Privileges
Pearl Knights
Membership
Advancement
Royal Chancellery
News & Announcements
Royal news and public announcements
Official announcements, statements, ceremonial occasions and activities of the Royal Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo.
Official communications
News & Announcements
Follow official announcements and activities of the Royal Sultanate and its institutions.
Visit the Facebook Page →Archive
News Archive
Explore earlier announcements and historical news preserved in the Royal Archives.
Open the archive →Official Presence
Follow the official Facebook presence for public announcements and activities.
Visit Facebook →“The Tausug people of Sulu have been a sovereign people for more than 600 years.”
Royal Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo