The Sultanate of Aceh was a powerful Islamic state located on the northern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia. Established in the late 15th century, it became a significant center for trade and Islamic scholarship, attracting merchants and scholars from various regions. The sultanate was known for its rich culture, strong military, and resistance against colonial powers. At its height, the Sultanate of Aceh controlled key trade routes and engaged in conflicts with the Portuguese and later the Dutch. The sultanate's influence declined in the 19th century due to internal strife and external pressures, ultimately leading to its incorporation into the Dutch East Indies.