Pilgrimage to the Tomb of a Turkish Commander: UAR Volunteers Absorb the Spirit of Heroism in Aceh

Aceh, MINA – The skies over Aceh appeared calm as volunteers from Ukhuwah Al-Fatah Rescue (UAR) halted their steps at a quiet, ancient grave.

This is the final resting place of Tgk Dibitai, a military commander from the Ottoman Empire who was also a revered scholar. There was no thunder of cannons or cries of war—only prayer, silence, and deep reflection on the meaning of service to the people.

The pilgrimage, led by group coordinator Mardi, took place amidst UAR’s humanitarian mission in Aceh Tamiang. For the volunteers, Tgk Dibitai’s tomb is more than a historical site; it is a spiritual bridge linking the past with the present, connecting the armed struggle against colonialists to the modern humanitarian efforts currently underway in disaster-stricken Aceh.

“In this place, we are reminded that defending the people is a calling that transcends eras,” Mardi remarked while briefing the 14 volunteers participating in the visit.

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The Legacy of Tgk Dibitai: A Commander from Across the Sea

The name Tgk Dibitai lives on in the collective memory of the Acehnese as a Turkish commander who arrived to assist the Sultanate of Aceh in the 16th century. He is believed to have been part of the military force and experts dispatched by the Ottoman Empire to help Aceh withstand Portuguese colonial pressure, which at the time controlled Malacca and threatened regional sovereignty and trade routes.

History records that Aceh did not stand alone. Under the leadership of Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah Al-Qahhar, Aceh established diplomatic ties with Istanbul. From there, assistance in the form of cannons, firearms, technicians, and soldiers was sent across the ocean.

Tgk Dibitai was among those who did more than just fight; he stayed, integrated with the community, and dedicated his life to Aceh. Oral traditions describe him as a disciplined commander on the battlefield who remained gentle toward the common folk.

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A Symbol of International Solidarity

Historians often cite the relationship between Aceh and the Ottoman Empire as an early form of international Islamic solidarity. Historian Anthony Reid described Aceh as a strategic partner for the Ottomans in Southeast Asia, while Azyumardi Azra emphasized that this bond was not merely military, but also religious and cultural.

For the people of Aceh, Turkey is not just a distant country to the west; it is a symbol of brotherhood and a commitment to oppressed nations. This legacy remains palpable today, kept alive through folklore, historical sites, and the tombs of commanders like Tgk Dibitai.

Reflecting on their role, the UAR volunteers saw a parallel between their mission and the ancient commander’s struggle. While commanders of the past took up arms to protect the people, today’s volunteers carry stretchers, logistics boxes, and medical supplies for the same purpose: to uphold human dignity.

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“The form of the struggle has changed, but the values remain the same: courage, sacrifice, and standing with the vulnerable,” Mardi said.

Continuing the Mission

The third squad of UAR volunteers has been stationed in Aceh Tamiang for one month. On January 14, they are scheduled to return to their respective home regions via the PMI Humanitarian Ship, which is docked at Malahayati Port, Aceh Besar. The vessel previously sailed the Belawan-Lhokseumawe route to deliver 500 tons of rice for flood victims in Aceh.

This pilgrimage serves as a reminder that humanitarian work is not merely a technical activity, but a continuation of a long history of defending the people. From the grave of a Turkish commander in Aceh, the volunteers carry home a quiet but powerful heroic spirit: that true service always finds its way, regardless of the era.

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The volunteers’ departure from Malahayati Port was marked by prayers from Azimah, the guardian of Tgk Dibitai’s tomb. Before their departure, Azimah provided a brief historical overview of the site, including the legacy of Admiral Malahayati, the legendary Acehnese female hero who studied at the Baitul Maqdis Military Academy, an institution once led by Tgk Dibitai.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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