Rohingya History
History of the Rohingya People
From the ancient kingdom of Arakan to the global diaspora today.​
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The story of the Rohingya people spans centuries of cultural heritage, survival, and struggle. Here is a timeline to help you understand the historical journey of the Rohingya people—from their deep roots in Myanmar to their forced displacement and global resettlement.
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The Rohingya are a predominantly Muslim ethnic group from Rakhine State (formerly known as Arakan), located in western Myanmar (Burma). They have their own language (Rohingya), culture, and a history that spans centuries. Despite this, they are one of the most persecuted minorities in the world today.
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Despite living in Rakhine for centuries, the Myanmar government does not recognize the Rohingya as citizens. They are excluded from the 135 official ethnic groups, cannot vote, and have limited access to education, healthcare, and jobs.
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Myanmar claims they are illegal immigrants, though historical records disprove this narrative for many generations of Rohingya. This denial of identity is at the root of decades of systematic persecution, violence, and displacement. Since the 2017 crisis, the largest Rohingya refugee population lives in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, in the world’s largest refugee camp. Many Rohingya now live in Malaysia, India, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the United States.
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Organizations like ORMMS work to support the Rohingya diaspora, preserve cultural identity, advocate for justice, and assist new refugees with legal aid, resettlement, and integration.
Rohingya People: A History Timeline
Arakan Map
Early Origins and Cultural Foundations
8th-14th Century
Muslim traders from Arabia and Persia arrive at the coast of Arakan (now Rakhine State), Burma. They establish trade routes and settle in the region, introducing Islam to the local population.
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1430
The King of Arakan, Narameikhla, regains his throne with military support from the Bengal Sultanate. This marks the beginning of strong Islamic influence in the region. Muslim officials, court languages, and customs become part of royal governance.
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15th-18th Century
The Mrauk U Kingdom flourishes as a diverse and powerful kingdom. It blends Buddhist and Islamic traditions, and many Muslims serve in high-ranking positions. The Rohingya trace their ancestral lineage to this multicultural era.
Colonial Period and Migration
1784
The Burmese Konbaung Dynasty conquers Arakan. Many Muslims are killed or enslaved. Thousands flee to Bengal.
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1824
The British defeat Burma in the First Anglo-Burmese War and annex Arakan into British India. Under British rule, new labor migration increases from Bengal into Arakan, leading to demographic changes and growing ethnic tensions.
British Attack in Burma 1824
Post-Independence & Identity Crisis
1942
During World War II, communal violence erupts between Arakanese Buddhists and Muslims. Thousands of Rohingya are killed, and many are forced to flee to northern Rakhine.
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1948
Burma gains independence from Britain. Rohingya leaders request recognition as a native ethnic group. Some serve in parliament and government, but promises of protection and citizenship are never fully realized.
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1962
Military General Ne Win seizes power in a coup. The new military regime introduces racist policies and strips Rohingya of many civil rights. Religious and ethnic discrimination grows stronger.
The Struggle for Arakan 1944
Citizenship Denial and Refugee Crises
1982
Myanmar enacts a new Citizenship Law, officially excluding Rohingya from the list of recognized ethnic groups. This renders most Rohingya stateless, with no legal rights to education, employment, or travel.
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1991–1992
Over 250,000 Rohingya flee to Bangladesh due to forced labor, rape, and military attacks. Some are later repatriated, but conditions remain dangerous in Myanmar.
Ne Win, Chairman of Burma Socialist Program Party
Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide
2012
Deadly violence erupts between Buddhist and Muslim communities in Rakhine State. Over 100,000 Rohingya are displaced into internal camps, facing inhumane conditions and restrictions.
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2016–2017
The Myanmar military launches a massive crackdown after an attack on police posts. In response, over 700,000 Rohingya flee to Bangladesh amid reports of mass killings, rapes, and burned villages.
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2018
The United Nations calls Myanmar’s actions a textbook example of ethnic cleansing, and independent investigators recommend genocide charges against top generals.
Police Detained Rohingya girl
Rohingya in the World Today
2020s
More than 1 million Rohingya live in refugee camps, mostly in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Others are resettled in countries like Malaysia, India, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and the United States, including Oregon.
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2021
A military coup in Myanmar further destabilizes the country. Hopes for Rohingya citizenship and safe return home remain distant.
Bangladesh Rohingya Refugee camp
The story of the Rohingya people is one of resilience, faith, and survival despite overwhelming injustice. By learning and sharing their history, we honor their struggles and support their rightful place in the global community.
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Despite generations of persecution, the Rohingya people have preserved their faith, language, culture, and dignity. Through organizations like ORMMS, the Rohingya diaspora works to rebuild their lives, support their communities, and advocate for justice and peace.