Kelantan's association with traditional Malay culture dates back at least as far as the 14th century; when the Sungai Kelantan Valley was settled by colonists from distant Java; then itself in the process of converting to Islam.

A state was established; owing allegiance to Sultan Masud Shah of Melaka (1459-77); but because of the region's geographical isolation from the rest of peninsular Malaysia; Kelantan was able to retain a high degree of autonomy; retaining much of its Javanese heritage and distinctive cultural and dialectic differences down through the centuries.

Kelantan's political isolation helped in this process - under a relatively benevolent Thai suzerainty from 1780 to 1909; Siamese control was generally limited to the presentation of bunga mas; or tribute paid to Bangkok in the form of golden trees. Once this tribute was paid; local administration remained largely in the hands of the Kelantan royal family; whilst matters social and religious were the exclusive province of the Kelantanese ulama; or learned Islamic scholars.

In 1909; by treaty agreement made between Britain and Siam; Kelantan became part of British-administered Malaya - but by this time the greater part of Chinese migration to the 'Straits Settlements' of Singapore; Melaka and Penang had already taken place; and Kelantan's ethnic balance remained relatively unchanged - a tranquil; traditional Malay sultanate; shielded by ranks of jungle-clad mountains from the fast-changing west coast. Pictures From History