Thanks to the Ottoman aid, the Aceh Sultanate possessed the most powerful artillery and firepower against the Portuguese in the archipelago for two centuries.
As a result, Aceh became a regional political power. As an ally of the Ottoman Empire in the region, Aceh resisted the cruel attacks of the Portuguese for centuries.
In 1612, when the Acehnese conquered the major city of Deli, their war tactics were learned from the Ottomans who came to their aid.
Although the similarity focused on military matters, it was not limited to this field alone. Aceh's palace traditions and guard units were also organized according to the Ottoman style.
The construction of Aceh's castle and palace was also influenced by the Ottomans. However, the most prominent symbol of Ottoman influence in Aceh is the flag.
The Aceh flag, like the Ottoman flag, is made on a red background. On this background, there is a white crescent and star, below which is a white sword.
The Acehnese never forgot the Ottomans who stood by them in their most difficult times. In fact, this event is even mentioned in the epic of the Acehnese, "Hikayat Aceh."
Today, the majority of Acehnese people are aware of the importance of this legendary assistance. The Ottoman cemetery is a place frequently visited by the Acehnese.
During the Crimean War, the Acehnese provided financial aid to the Ottoman Empire. In the late 19th century, they sought help from the Ottomans against the Dutch. Although Sultan Abdulhamid II could not openly accept this offer, he provided support to the region covertly.
