MELAKA from the Top

MELAKA from the Top attempts to trace back and compare the geological and demographical transformation and development of the town of Melaka and its surroundings over the centuries, with focus on its expansion particularly within the last 40 years. Historic Melaka has changed dramatically over the 600 years of its history. However, it was only with the reclamation of its coast and expansion of the town in the last few decades that has truly changed the town. From its once 'sleepy hollow' little backwater town, Melaka is now being transformed into a growing metropolis. This book records those changes and captures the images of how Melaka was then and is now, from eye level and from the top, as Melaka continues to develop and change.

This book was made possible through a collaboration of people from far and near, and from their private collection of photographs. Many of the old maps, photos and images in this book are of great historical importance for Melaka - the place where it all begins in Malaysia.

Melaka, together with Penang, historic cities of the Straits of Malacca, were inscribed by the World Heritage Committee on 8 July 2008 as part of an addition of the 19 cultural sites and 8 natural sites to UNESCO's World Heritage List. Melaka, like Penang, demonstrates a succession of historical and cultutral influences arising from its former function as a trading port linking East and West. This book helps commemorate this most prestigious award.