Syarif Hidayatullah, Muhammad Nuruddin, Sayyid Kamil, Syekh Nurullah and Faletehan are just some of the names which have been given to Sunan Gunung Jati, the wall who is said to have converted the western third of Java to Islam virtually single-handed and to have founded the independent State of Cirebon.

Concerning the birth, life and death of this member of the Wali Songo there are several conflicting stories, yet the main thread runs as follows: Syarif Hidayatullah, or Syekh Nurullah, was born in Pasei, North Sumatra.

According to some, he was the son of Syekh Maulana Ishak and half-brother of Sunan Giri. Following the Portugese invasion of his homeland in 1521 he travelled to Mecca, where he stayed for three years. On his return he entered the service of Sultan Trenggana of Demak, whose younger sister he married.

Sunan Kalijaga's role as peacemaker is perhaps best symbolized by the semi-legendary story of the founding of the Great Mosque in Demak, said to have been built by the Wali Songo in a single night.

Arriving late, with no time to fell and prepare a tree trunk, Sunan Kalijaga created a pillar made up from planks left over by the other walls ! To this day the pillar created by Sunan Kalijaga, larger than the rest, is pointed out to visitors to the Mosque.

Astana Gunung Jati, Mt Sambung, Cirebon ; the third of nine gates leading to the tomb of Syarif Hidayatullah. Beyond this access is forbidden to all but members of the royal family of Cirebon.	Remains of the Kraton Pakungwati, the original palace of Sunan Gunung Jati
Guardians of the tomb are officialy twelve in number; (above) lining up for evening prayer (below) awaiting visitors in the reception area