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SITI: Queen of the Eastern Skies

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The kijang was the beloved pet of Che Siti Wan Kembang, the ruler of the Malay kingdom of Tanah Serendah Sekebun Bunga, which was really ancient Kelantan. In remembrance of the kijang, Che Siti had it engraved on her currency. Today, the kijang is the icon of Bank Negara Malaysia, a fitting tribute to Che Siti Wan Kembang’s legacy.

But who really was this queen regnant of ancient Kelantan?

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

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About the author

ninotaziz

26 books62 followers
ninotaziz is an award winning author and storyteller of many generations – daughter of Abang Tik,daughter of Chu Rahmah, daughter of Yang Chik, daughter of Bebunga.

Born in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, ninotaziz grew up in the idyllic village of Chenor, Temerloh, Pahang, Malaysia. She studied at Sekolah Seri Puteri, Kuala Lumpur where she discovered her passion for writing. Encouraged by her English teacher, Mrs Khaw Choon Ean and her mother, Puan Kamariah Jaafar, today, ninotaziz specializes in Malaysian legends. She wrote From The Written Stone, HIKAYAT – From The Ancient Malay Kingdoms, SRIKANDI, and novels NAGA, ONANGKIU, SITI, NIK & THE SUNSET SHIP,BIDASARI & THE DJINN, BENTALA NAGA, Lipur Lara Nusantara (50 Best Malaysia Books 2020/2021), Lipur Lara Alam Melayu (50 Best Malaysia Books 2021/2022), PUTERI SAADONG & SERI GUMUM.

Awards:
Lipur Lara Alam Melayu (50 Malaysia Best 2021/2022)
Lipur Lara Nusantara (50 Malaysia Best 2020/2021)
NIK & THE SUNSET SHIP - Winner Calistro 2014 Awards
Onangkiu - MyCreative Ventures 2014 Grand Prize & Calistro Awards 2012
HIKAYAT - PNM RTM Book Prize 2013 - Top 5 Popular Books
SITI - MyCreative Awards 2014 Consolation and Calistro Awards 2013
From The Written Stone - MBBY Award 2007

The author also blogs at :
http://www.poemsbyninotaziz.blogspot....
http://www.pantundanselokaninotaziz.b...

ninotaziz is married to Rudy Daud. The family is blessed with five daughters. They enjoy the theatre and gamelan.

ninotaziz is currently working on various book projects, movie making and her next YA novel, Empire.

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Shah Si Pencinta Buku.
392 reviews29 followers
August 22, 2023
Mengisahkan latar belakang Che Siti Wan Kembang bermula dari kisah hidup bondanya Che Banun.

SH rasa kesian dan sedih melihat kesengsaraan Paduka Sri Dewi. Sudahlah tak punya anak, suami pula buat keputusan untuk memadukannya. Dan SH boleh faham dari mana datangnya rasa dendam dan amarahnya itu. Hinggakan baginda pergi dalam keadaan sengsara, susut tubuh badannya.

Raja Ahmad ni antara watak yang buat SH geram. Sudahlah baginda madukan isterinya, setelah dapat isteri muda, isteri tua bagai dilupakan begitu sahaja. Tiada kunjungan, hingga membuatkan Paduka Sri Dewi begitu menderita di atas sikap baginda.

Che Banun, seorang puteri cantik dan bijaksana. Sememangnya bijak dalam menawan hati orang sekeliling. Tapi tetap akur juga menjadi perampas dan penyondol. Malah menyusun strategi untuk menjadi 'Tuan'.

Dan walaupun SH tidak bersetuju dengan tingkah Tengku Mansur, namun SH faham kenapa baginda menjadi begitu. Bonda kesayangan pergi dengan hati yang rawan penuh sengsara. Tahta yang dijanjikan buat baginda, menjadi milik orang lain.

Hampir separuh buku SH baca dengan penuh rasa geram dan marah. Banyak betul kelakuan dan kejadian yang membuat hati SH menggelegak semasa membaca. Sememangnya penulis berjaya menulis naskah ini dengan baik hingga sampai semua emosinya kepada SH.

Sememangnya naskah ini penuh emosi. Marah, sedih, gembira semuanya berbaur dalam naskah ini. Malah unsur-unsur kesenian Negeri Kelantan turut diselitkan dengan cantik dalam naskah ini. Pengajaran dan isi di dalam naskah ini kuga banyak yang boleh dijadikan iktibar.
32 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2022
SITI: Queen of the Eastern Skies

Reading Ninot Aziz's writings always make me feel so calm.

If I have a friend from abroad who wants to read about Malay/Nusantara history and culture in the form of English short novels, without hesitation, I will recommend them Ninot Aziz's ones. Reading 'SITI: Queen of the Eastern Skies' further strengthened this belief of mine.

Its style of writing, presentation and language used by Puan Ninot in retelling the old hikayats are beautiful, leading the reader to explore the beauty of the ancient Malay.

This novel not only highlights its beautiful fairy tales, but beautifully captured every aspects of Malay intelligence as well such as its culture, architecture, martial arts, navigation, medicine, diplomacy and more.
Profile Image for Nas.
149 reviews64 followers
April 10, 2021
I am deeply affected and amazed by this legend of Che Siti Wan Kembang.

Like, really, deeply affected.

This is a story of inspiration, love, loyalty, loss and heartbreak.

This is my first encounter of the proper and complete retelling of this famous legend of the queen of the ancient Kelantan that was previously known as Tanah Serendah Sekebun Bunga.

This was the land ruled by Che Siti Wan Kembang.

What an amazing story!🥺♥️

Che Siti Wan Kembang indeed was a very legendary woman who has inspired me. Even in the premodern era, where men were predominantly ruled the society, she has proved herself as one of a kind.

She was one of the feminist standout 👏🏻😻

She was bold, ambitious, brilliant and beautiful as well.

I was deeply moved and affected by her constant losses of the people that were beloved and loyal to her. Also heartbroken for her unrequited love towards Raden Mas, as she was destined to be alone and remained unmarried until the end of her life.

It is sad and lonely to live without a life partner as we are human beings that yearn to be loved and want companions by our side.

I pitied her yet I was impressed with her resilience.

Again, I praise ninotaziz for bringing this legend back alive. It is such an amazing book. Reading this is like an opportunity for me to be closer to the Malaysian legends and folktales, hence holding it dearly in my heart.
Profile Image for Ruby Jusoh.
250 reviews11 followers
March 18, 2020
This kept me sane today, to be honest. What a gorgeous re-telling of the Che Siti Wan Kembang tale. The legendary queen of Kelantan became a character of compassion, power, loneliness and duty. Enjoyed this so much. Only 140-ish pages and I finished this within 3 hours. ninotaziz is a brilliant brilliant writer! Cannot wait to read her other books!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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