The role of Tuban in history

The city of Tuban on the Javanese coast has a long history of seafaring and maritime trade. It was an entrepot and exported various goods such as salt, cotton, and tortoise shell. Tuban is mentioned in historic sources under the name of Kampang Putih from the 11^th century onwards. It prospered during the Majapahit Empire until the 15^th century, when it lost some of its importance due to the rise of the nearby harbour of Gresik. Following the arrival of Islam in the 16^th century, Tuban flourished as a centre of trade and culture in which Hindus and Muslims coexisted peacefully.