Toko Lay, Commercial building in central Dili, Timor-Leste
Toko Lay is a four-story building with a stone facade and high ceilings located on Rua 25 de Abril in central Dili. The structure operates as a hardware store serving the local construction and maintenance sector with plumbing supplies and related materials.
The building was established in 1959 during the Portuguese colonial period and served as a refuge during the 1975 invasion when over 100 Chinese residents sought shelter within its walls. Its existence reflects decades of continuity through multiple political transitions in the region.
The Lay family from Guangdong built a commercial presence that shaped Dili's trade sector over decades. Their hardware business reflects how immigrant communities became integral to the city's commercial life and local commerce.
The store is open Monday through Saturday from 08:00 to 17:00 and remains closed on Sundays. Visitors should plan their visits during these hours to find the full range of supplies and available staff.
The building served as a sanctuary for merchants and families during a critical moment of regional conflict, demonstrating how commercial spaces provided shelter beyond their everyday purpose. This unexpected role as a refuge remains largely untold in the broader narrative of the city's history.
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