Ureuëng Acèh اورڠ اچيه | |
---|---|
Total population | |
3,526,000[1] – 4,200,000[2] | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Indonesia | 3,404,000 (2010)[3] 3,484,000 (2015)[4] |
Malaysia | 640,000 (counted as part of the local "Malays")[5] |
Sweden | 150–200[6] |
Languages | |
Religion | |
Sunni Islam | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Chams, Malays, Gayo, Alas, Kluet, Nias, Singkil, and Utsuls |
The Acehnese (also written as Atjehnese and Achinese) are an indigenous ethnic group from Aceh, Indonesia on the northernmost tip of the island of Sumatra. The area has a history of political struggle against the Dutch colonial rule. The vast majority of the Acehnese people are Muslims.[8] The Acehnese people are also referred to by other names such as Lam Muri, Lambri, Akhir, Achin, Asji, A-tse and Atse.[9][10] Their language, Acehnese, belongs to the Aceh–Chamic group of Malayo-Polynesian of the Austronesian language family.
The Acehnese were at one time partially Hinduised, as evident from their traditions and the many Sanskrit words in their language.[11] They have been Muslims for several centuries and are generally considered one of the most conservative Muslim ethnic group in Indonesia. The estimated number of Acehnese ranges between 3,526,000 people[12] and at least 4.2 million people.[13]
Traditionally, there have been many Acehnese agriculturists, metal-workers and weavers. Traditionally matrilocal, their social organisation is communal. They live in gampôngs, which combine to form districts known as mukims.[14] The golden era of Acehnese culture began in the 16th century, along with the rise of the Islamic Aceh Sultanate and later reaching its peak in the 17th century.[15] Generally, the Acehnese people are regarded as conservative adherents to the Islamic faith and also as militant fighters against the colonial conquest of the Portuguese Empire and the Dutch Empire.[15][8]
Aceh came to international attention as being the hardest-hit region of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake with 120,000 people dead.
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