[6] Prior to the arrival of Islam in Sulu, the province used to adhere to local animist religions; this later changed to Hindu and Buddhist belief systems.

The coming of Arabs, Persians and other Muslims paved the way for the arrival of religious missionaries, traders, scholars and travelers to Sulu and Mindanao in the 12th century.

Year 1380 CE, The Sunni Sufi Scholar Karim-ul Makhdum came to Sulu and introduced Islam to the Philippines.

In 1450 CE, Johore-born Arab adventurer Sayyid Abubakar Abirin came to Sulu and lived with Rajah Baguinda Ali.

The navigational error that landed Ferdinand Magellan in Limasawa brought awareness of Europe to the Philippines and opened the door to Spanish colonial incursion.

The Spaniards introduced Christianity and a political system of church-state dichotomy, which encountered fierce resistance in the devastating Moro wars from 1578 to 1899.

The Sultanate of Sulu formally recognised Spanish sovereignty in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu in middle of the 19th century, but these areas remained partially ruled by the Spanish as their sovereignty was limited to military stations, garrisons, and pockets of civilian settlements, until they had to abandon the region as a consequence of their defeat in the Spanish–American War.

After Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States, American forces came to Jolo and ended the 23 years of Spanish military occupation (1876 to 1899).

At any rate, the essence of local governance forged by Rajah Baguinda continued to permeate the ethos of Sulu politics despite centuries of colonial presence.

This prompted various leaders from Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago to campaign against being lumped with the Catholic natives of Luzon and the Visayas.

It was during this period that the fighting 21 of Sulu rose with Lt. Abdulrahim Imao and Sayyid Captain Kalingalan Caluang who distinguished himself through extraordinary valor and leadership, earning widespread recognition and commendation.

Among Sayyid Captain Kalingalan Caluang's notable accolades was the prestigious Bronze Star Medal, awarded on February 4, 1944, under Executive Order №9419 by the Commanding General of the 41st Infantry Division, for his meritorious achievements in the Sulu Archipelago, Philippine Islands.

His exceptional acts of leadership, strategic resourcefulness, and decisive initiative during pivotal moments were highly praised.

Despite facing harsh conditions and relentless enemy engagement, Captain Caluang demonstrated unwavering courage, sound judgment, and a steadfast commitment to duty.

[7] At the beginning of Philippine independence era, the reconstruction of the Daru Jambangan continued to be of huge importance to the people of Sulu as only a few arches and posts remain from the once grand palace complex.

Many members of the royal family advocated for the reconstruction of the palace, however, the government of the Philippines made no official position or fund for the matter.

News about the Jabidah Massacre led to the rise of numerous separatist movements in Mindanao, including Sulu, eventually leading to groups engaging in armed conflict with the Philippine government.

Non-Catholic Christians include Evangelicals, Jesus Miracle Crusade, Episcopalian, Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), Mormons, Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and a number of other Protestant denominations.

Governors after People Power Revolution 1986: Vice Governors after People Power Revolution 1986: Poverty Incidence of Sulu Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] Sulu is predominantly agricultural with farming and fishing as its main livelihood activities.

Its fertile soil and ideal climate can grow a variety of crops such as abaca, coconuts, Sulu coffee,[36] oranges, and lanzones as well as exotic fruits seldom found elsewhere in the country such as durian and mangosteen.

However, due to conflicts, terrorism, and the establishment of jihadists groups following Wahhabism such as the Abu Sayyaf, the province's economy has suffered badly and has been reduced to its current state.

After the success of new flight of Philippine Airlines inside Bangsamoro region, the government is already looking forward to open the route to Cotabato City.

As of to date Gove Leading Edge,[37] Cebu Pacific Cebgo and Platinum Skies from Zamboanga are existing operational flight utilizing the newly renovated Jolo Airport.