Sandalwood is a class of woods from trees in the genus Santalum . The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and, unlike many other aromatic woods, they retain their fragrance for decades. Sandalwood oil is extracted from the woods. Sandalwood is often cited as one of the most expensive woods in the world. Both the wood and the oil produce a distinctive fragrance that has been highly valued for centuries. Consequently, some species of these slow-growing trees have suffered over-harvesting in the past.
115-527: Maubisse ( Maubesse, Mau-Bessi, Maobisse, Maubise ) is a historic town in the hills 70 km south of Dili , in Ainaro District , East Timor . It is a popular tourist destination and a weekend visiting spot for people from the capital. The suco has 6,229 inhabitants (2015). Maubisse has a tropical savanna climate ( Köppen Aw ), bordering on a subtropical highland climate ( Köppen Cwb ) due to its high elevation. This East Timor location article
230-534: A perfume , it acts as a fixative , enhancing the longevity of other, more volatile, materials in the composite. Sandalwood is also a key ingredient in the "floriental" (floral- ambery ) fragrance family – when combined with white florals such as jasmine , ylang ylang , gardenia , plumeria , orange blossom , tuberose , lily of the valley , etc. Its also acts as a versatile base that blends well with other woody scents like patchouli and cedar . Sandalwood oil in India
345-573: A baby boom driven by the country having the highest fertility rate in the world. By 2004, the population had reached 173,541 people, with unemployment at 26.9% overall, and 43.4% for men aged 15–29. Around half of employment for these young men was informal. In 2005 a new urban master plan was developed by a group based in the Faculty of Architecture of the Technical University of Lisbon . Issues with food security reoccurred periodically throughout
460-418: A central role in the history of East Timor. However, early records about Timor, especially before the 1700s, are sparse. The tumultuous history of the city has resulted in a great deal of information being lost; archives in the city were destroyed in 1779, 1890, 1975, and 1999. The island of Timor was possibly known as a source for sandalwood in the 15th century. The first recorded Portuguese voyage to
575-457: A drought related to an El Niño event led to profound food insecurity, worse for Dili than any other city in Indonesia. The crisis also precipitated the resignation of Indonesian President Suharto , whose successor, B. J. Habibie , soon approved a referendum on East Timorese independence. Outbreaks of violence from pro-Indonesian militia occurred throughout the country in the months leading up to
690-502: A few months or years. Isobornyl cyclohexanol is a synthetic fragrance chemical produced as an alternative to the natural product. Sandalwood's main components are the two isomers of santalol (about 75%). It is used in aromatherapy , in scented candles and to prepare soaps . Sandalwood lends itself well to carving and has thus, traditionally, been a wood of choice for statues and sculptures of Hindu gods. Due to its low fluorescence and optimal refractive index , sandalwood oil
805-553: A grid parallel to the shore, and the city has extended along this east-west axis. The older parts of the city are the most densely built up, with little available land. The western portion of the city is the location of the airport and has the most recent urban growth. Most infrastructure was destroyed in 1999, including 68,000 homes. Following rebuilding as of 2010, 71.6% of houses have concrete or brick walls. In Hera however, just over 50% of houses were mostly wooden as of 2014. Land rights remain complicated and unresolved as
920-572: A military area known as Taibesse. Lahane also saw significant development in the early 20th century, with its east and west side separated by a river. As the administrative structures developed, Dili became part of the Dili municipality in 1940, the first municipal administration to be created. At the time the municipality was larger, including what is now the Aileu Municipality . During World War II , Portugal and its colonies remained neutral, but
1035-403: A minimum of 15 years old – the yield, quality and volume are still to be clearly understood. Yield of oil tends to vary depending on the age and location of the tree; usually, the older trees yield the highest oil content and quality. India continues to produce a superior quality of Santalum Album, with FP Aromatics being the largest exporter. Australia is the largest producer of S. album , with
1150-470: A number of beaches line the coast. The soil underneath this plain is quaternary alluvium . The distance between the sea and the mountains reaches a maximum width of only 4 kilometres (2.5 mi), and the surrounding mountains slope near the city at angles of 20 degrees or higher. On either side of the core urban area are mountain ridges extending from the southern range to the coast, leading to urban development spilling over onto areas of flat land on
1265-536: A permanent military force was established in 1818. Some Europeans settled in Lahane to the south, beyond the wetland area. Significant construction was undertaken under governor José Maria Marques [ de ] , who arrived in 1834 and rebuilt the settlement along a grid. This saw expansion along the coast, but also southwards as the wetlands between the original city and Lahane were channelised and drained. A road extended to Lahane and Dare . The rebuilding saw
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#17328555499171380-481: A poor economy led to an increase of urban poverty and unemployment, especially amongst youth. This was despite the city reaping 80% of the economic benefits of reconstruction efforts; 65% of direct jobs created by the UN were in Dili, a figure that rose to 80% when including indirect jobs. Following the beginning of UN rule, the population of Dili grew by over 10% annually. This was a result of both rural-urban migration, and
1495-570: A result of the 2006 crisis, with returns of former residents to the capital having been carried out on an ad-hoc basis. There are disputes between residents who claim land was taken from them by previous regimes, and the national government that has created what is seen as an expansive definition of state land. Developing a formal property system and land register is a key development goal. Those living in houses with this mixed ownership history, perhaps up to 50% of all residents, face heightened risk of eviction. Important government buildings which form
1610-414: A small amount of transport infrastructure. A 1950 census found that the population of Dili was about 6,000 people, half 'civilised' (considered by Portuguese authorities to have sufficiently adopted Portuguese culture), including Mestiço , 'civilised' natives, Europeans, and other foreigners such as Goans and those from Portugal's African colonies. This was slightly over 1% of the total population of
1725-527: A subsequent invasion by Indonesia . Under Indonesian rule infrastructure in the city was developed, with landmarks such as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Cristo Rei of Dili being built during this time. The city expanded as its population grew to over 100,000 people. Resistance to Indonesian rule faced violent repression, and a massacre in Dili led to international pressure culminating in an independence referendum . Following
1840-477: A variety of fruit trees. While forests around the city have been damaged by harvesting for construction and firewood, the national government aims to reforest these areas. Large wildlife in these forests includes monkeys . Mangrove species found along the coastline include the near-threatened Ceriops decandra . Coral reefs , seagrass meadows , and intertidal mudflats are also present. The coral reefs off Dili appear to be locally sheltered from
1955-431: A vote for independence violence erupted in the city , destroying huge amounts of its infrastructure and leading to an exodus of refugees. A period of United Nations rule followed, during which international agencies began the reconstruction of the city. Dili became the capital of an independent East Timor in 2002. A period of violence in 2006 saw another period of infrastructure damage and population displacement. In 2009
2070-441: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Dili Dili ( Portuguese and Tetum : Díli ) is the capital and largest city of East Timor . It lies on the northern coast of the island of Timor , in a small area of flat land hemmed in by mountains. The climate is tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The city has served as the economic hub and chief port of what is now East Timor since its designation as
2185-488: Is a 27-metre (89 ft) tall statue of Jesus situated on top of a globe at the end of the eastern Fatucama peninsula . It is positioned at the end of a Stations of the Cross pathway including over 500 steps. It was a present from the government of Indonesia during occupation for the 20th anniversary of East Timor's integration into Indonesia . Its height reflects the symbolism of East Timor being Indonesia's 27th province at
2300-480: Is also used as a flavour component in different food items, including candy, ice cream, baked food, puddings, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and gelatin. The flavouring is used at levels below 10 ppm, the highest possible level for use in food products being 90 ppm. Oil is extracted from Sandalwood through distillation. Many different methods are used, including steam distillation , water distillation, CO 2 extraction, and solvent extractions. Steam distillation
2415-462: Is believed to calm the mind during meditation and prayer. It is also distributed to devotees, who apply it to their foreheads or necks and chests. Sandalwood paste is used for most pujas both in temples and private households. Sandalwood use is an integral part of the daily practices of Jainism. Sandalwood paste mixed with saffron is used to worship the Tirthankaras of Jainism . Sandalwood powder
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#17328555499172530-620: Is considered an increasing issue, with contributors including forest fires, wood-fuelled cooking, and vehicles. The landscape around Dili naturally supports dry deciduous forests . Common tree species include Sterculia foetida , Calophyllum teysmanii , and Aleurites moluccana . Eucalyptus alba is found in rocky areas, and palm and acacia trees are also found. The eucalyptus trees often serve as firewood, while nuts from A. moluccana are sometimes burnt to produce lighting. Trees found within urban areas include Alstonia scholaris , Albizia julibrissin , Ficus microcarpa , and
2645-481: Is difficult due to the city's tumultuous history, and legal ownership is often unclear. It is thought that in 1999 existing land records were taken from Dili to Indonesia. The new government attempted to set up a system of rent, charging a small fee of $ 10 a month for those occupying state property. However, in many cases even this could not be paid. In 2003 the national government legislated that all previous state property, as well as abandoned properties, belonged to
2760-402: Is expensive compared to other types of woods. To maximize profit , sandalwood is harvested by removing the entire tree instead of felling at the trunk near ground level. This way wood from the stump and root, which possesses high levels of sandalwood oil, can also be processed and sold. Australian sandalwood is mostly harvested and sold in log form, graded for heartwood content. The species
2875-509: Is mentioned in various suttas of the Pāli Canon . In some Buddhist traditions, sandalwood is considered to be of the padma ( lotus ) group and attributed to Amitabha Buddha . Sandalwood scent is believed by some to transform one's desires and maintain a person's alertness while in meditation . It is also one of the most popular scents used when offering incense to the Buddha and the guru. In
2990-526: Is not used as much anymore because of the high costs and time associated with heating large quantities of water. Sandalwood is considered sacred in the Hindu Ayurveda and is known in Sanskrit as chandana. The wood is used for worshipping the deities, and it is said that Lakshmi (Sri), the goddess of well-being, lives in the sandalwood tree; therefore, it is also known as Srigandha . Sandalwood paste
3105-503: Is often employed as an immersion oil within ultraviolet and fluorescence microscopy . Aboriginal Australians eat the seed kernels, nuts, and fruit of local sandalwoods, such as the quandong ( S. acuminatum ). Early Europeans in Australia used quandong in cooking damper by infusing it with its leaves, and in making jams, pies, and chutneys from the fruit. In Scandinavia , pulverised bark from red sandalwood ( Pterocarpus soyauxii )
3220-657: Is prepared by grinding a piece of dry sandalwood into powder, against a stone slab. With the gradual addition of water, a thick paste forms, (called kalabham "കളഭം" in Malayalam language and gandha ಗಂಧ in Kannada ) and it is mixed with saffron or other such pigments to make chandanam . Chandanam , further mixed with herbs, perfumes, pigments, and some other compounds, results in javadhu . Kalabham, chandanam, and javadhu are dried and used as kalabham powder, chandanam powder, and javadhu powder, respectively. Chandanam powder
3335-484: Is priced at about US$ 2,500 per kg. Sandalwood is often cited as one of the most expensive woods in the world, along with African blackwood , pink ivory , agarwood and ebony . Sandalwood has historically been an important tree in the development of the political economy of the Pacific. Prior to colonization in the region, the sandalwood tree was a marker of status, rank and beauty. It then became an important part of
3450-526: Is showered as blessings by Jain monks and nuns ( sadhus and sadhvis ) onto their disciples and followers. Sandalwood garlands are used to dress the body during Jain cremation ceremonies. During the festival of Mahamastakabhisheka that is held once in every 12 years, the Gommateshwara statue is bathed and anointed with libations such as milk, sugarcane juice, and saffron paste, and sprinkled with powders of sandalwood, turmeric , and vermilion . Sandalwood
3565-550: Is tasked with hosting the country's cultural artefacts. The National Library of East Timor is intended to serve as both a library and a national archive. Notable churches include the Motael Church , the oldest in the country, which became associated with resistance to Indonesian rule. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral was built with the intention of being the largest church in Southeast Asia. The Cristo Rei of Dili
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3680-580: Is the easternmost suco of Cristo Rei. Tibar , to the west of the main city, is the easternmost suco of the Bazartete Administrative Post in the Liquiçá Municipality . Each suco has a chefe . Those in Dili have less influence over community land than those elsewhere, however their elected status gives them greater authority in other areas. Each also has a head office. Municipal and national government buildings are concentrated in
3795-415: Is the most common method used by sandalwood companies. It occurs in a four-step process, incorporating boiling, steaming, condensation, and separation. Water is heated to high temperatures (60–100 °C or 140–212 °F) and is then passed through the wood. The oil is very tightly bound within the cellular structure of the wood, but can be released by the high heat of the steam. The mixture of steam and oil
3910-641: Is the most commonly used incense material by the Chinese , Korean and Japanese in worship and various ceremonies. Some Taoist sects, following the Ming Dynasty Taoist Manual, avoid the use of sandalwood (as well as benzoin resin and frankincense ) as incense in worship. In Korean Shamanism , sandalwood is considered the Tree of Life . It was transmitted to China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan during
4025-581: Is the old Chinese area, which still retains a number of Chinese-influenced buildings. Portuguese-era buildings are most common in the Motael, Gricenfor, and Bidau Lecidere sucos, often stretched along the main road running through the old part of the city, the Avenida Nicolau Lobato [ de ] . The main government complex is located at the Largo Infante Dom Henrique, next to
4140-417: Is then cooled and separated so that the essential oil can be collected. This process is much longer than any other essential oil 's distillation, taking 14 to 36 hours to complete, but generally produces much higher quality oil. Water, or hydro, distillation is the more traditional method of sandalwood extraction which involves soaking the wood in water and then boiling it until the oil is released. This method
4255-474: Is unique in that the white sapwood does not require removal before distilling the oil. The logs are either processed to distill the essential oil , or made into powders for making incense . Indian sandalwood, used mainly for oil extraction, does require removal of the sapwood prior to distillation. As of 2020 , Australian Sandalwood oil sells for around US$ 1,500 per 1 kilogram (2.2 lb), while Indian Sandalwood oil, due to its higher alpha santalol content,
4370-508: Is used - with other tropical spices - when marinating anchovies and some types of pickled herring such as matjes , sprat , and certain types of traditional spegesild , inducing a reddish colour and slightly perfumed flavour. Present-day chefs have begun experimenting in using the nut as a substitute for macadamia nuts or a bush food substitute for almonds, hazelnuts, and others in Southeast Asian-styled cuisine. The oil
4485-519: Is very popular in India and is also used in Nepal. In Tirupati, after religious tonsure, sandalwood paste is applied to protect the skin. In Hinduism and Ayurveda, sandalwood is thought to bring one closer to the divine. Thus, it is one of the most used holy elements in Hindu and Vedic societies. This paste is integral to rituals and ceremonies, for making religious utensils, for decorating sacred images, and it
4600-552: Is widely used in the cosmetic industry . The main source of true sandalwood, S. album , is a protected species, and demand for it cannot be met. Many species of plants are traded as "sandalwood". The genus Santalum has more than 19 species. Traders often accept oil from closely related species, as well as from unrelated plants such as West Indian sandalwood ( Amyris balsamifera ) in the family Rutaceae or bastard sandalwood ( Myoporum sandwicense , Myoporaceae ). However, most woods from these alternative sources lose their aroma within
4715-569: The Allies saw East Timor as a potential target for Japanese invasion. Upon the outbreak of the Pacific War in 1941, Australian and Dutch troops were sent to Dili despite Portuguese objections. In response, the Japanese invaded Dili as part of a two-pronged invasion of Timor . The city had been mostly abandoned prior to the invasion, and allied forces retreated further into the island. The Japanese left
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4830-528: The Immaculate Conception Cathedral , the Integration Statue commemorating the end of Portuguese rule, and the Cristo Rei of Dili . By the 1990s, urban sprawl had taken up much of the available flat land around the original settlement. In the 1980s, resistance to Indonesian rule grew among youth in the city. Nonetheless, towards the end of the decade Indonesia began allowing foreign tourists access to
4945-811: The Japanese surrender . Following the Second World War, Dili covered what today is the old core of the city, within the sucos of Acadiru Hun, Bemori, Bidau Lecidere, Caicoli, Colmera, Culu Hun, Gricenfor, Motael, and Santa Cruz. Portuguese Timor became a full part of Following the initial post-war reconstruction of Dili's immediately critical infrastructure, an urban plan was developed in 1951 covering urban layout, road development, zoning, and building regulations. The plan envisioned separate neighbourhoods for Europeans, mestiços, Chinese, Arabs, and Timorese, and assumed there would be further rural-urban migration. Both this plan and later revisions in 1968 and 1972 assumed that
5060-519: The Topasses , the Portuguese governor António José Teles de Meneses moved the administration and 1,200 people east to establish a new capital. It was originally intended that the administration be set up at Vemasse Administrative Post further east, but perhaps because of the favourable geography, a settlement was established at Dili instead. This was at the time part of the Motael kingdom, whose leader
5175-429: The attempted assassinations of the country's president and prime minister. By 2009 most displaced people had returned to the city, and the camps were officially closed by the end of the year. However, some community tensions remained. In a couple of areas, there were two or three fights a week between opposing youth groups. Nonetheless, large-scale violence did not return. Mediation teams were utilised to assist in
5290-547: The black cuckoo-dove , the pink-headed imperial pigeon , and the Timor sparrow . Dili has a rather dry tropical savanna climate ( Köppen Aw ). A rainy season lasts from November to April and a dry season from May to October. Rainfall is highest in December, averaging 170 millimetres or 6.69 inches between 2005 and 2013, and lowest in August, averaging 5.3 millimetres or 0.21 inches over
5405-509: The fire temple , including the Atash Dadgahs . Sandalwood is not offered to the divo , a smaller lamp that is kept in the homes of Zoroastrians. Often, money is offered to the mobad (priest) as payment, along with sandalwood. Sandalwood is called sukhad in the Zoroastrian community. The sandalwood in the fire temple is often more expensive to buy than at a Zoroastrian store. It is often
5520-411: The 1860s, he wrote that the governor's house was "merely a low whitewashed cottage", and that all other buildings appeared to be mud and thatch. At the time swamps and mudflats surrounded the town, which did not extend to the mountains surrounding it. More permanent buildings of one or two stories were constructed throughout the late 19th century. A new church building was built in 1877. A revolt to
5635-488: The Akanunu and Mota Kiik rivers flow through Hera. The Comoro is the largest, with a drainage basin extending 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) inland to a point where the mountains are 900 metres (3,000 ft) high. The water level within these rivers differs greatly between the dry and wet seasons. Parts of the city are considered to face drought hazards and flooding risk from rivers, issues related to climate change . Within
5750-520: The Indian variants of Sufism , sandalwood paste is applied on a revered Sufi's grave by the disciples as a mark of devotion. The tradition is practiced particularly by devotees in the Indian Subcontinent . In Tamil culture, irrespective of one's religious identity, sandalwood paste or powder is applied to the graves of Sufi saints as a mark of devotion and respect. In East Asia , sandalwood (檀木),
5865-500: The Latin candere , to shine or glow. It arrived in English via Late Greek , Medieval Latin and Old French in the 14th or 15th century. Sandalwoods are medium-sized hemiparasitic trees, and part of the same botanical family as European mistletoe . Sandalwood is indigenous to the tropical belt of the peninsular India, Malay Archipelago and northern Australia. The main distribution is in
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#17328555499175980-604: The Pacific trade during the colonial period, as it was one of the few resources the West was able to successfully trade with Chinese merchants. This western trade began to put pressure on the production of sandalwood in the region. Tonga , a Polynesian kingdom in the Oceania region, saw a severe depletion of its sandalwood tree (locally known as “‘ahi”) due a disruption of the social hierarchy, known as “fahu”, which led to heightened local competition and eventually an over harvest. Nearly all of
6095-417: The Portuguese governor nominally in position, but took over administration. Much of Dili was destroyed during the war, from the initial Japanese invasion and from later allied bombings. Japanese forces on the island of Timor surrendered to Australian forces at the end of the war. Following the surrender, an Australian official travelled to Dili where on 23 September 1945 he informed the Portuguese governor of
6210-515: The Timorese population would live on the edges of the city yet work near the centre. This plan was not completed, and the city remained under-developed, with low density and where property outside of the central area was still built on with flimsy materials and used for subsistence cultivation. The second five-year development plan, which ran from 1959 to 1964, saw the reconstruction of the Port of Dili and
6325-465: The average sea surface temperature rise from climate change. However, they face some degradation from human activities. The seagrass beds support dugongs and sea turtles , while dolphins and whales are found offshore. There are three protected biodiversity areas within Dili: Behau, Cristo Rei Protected Area , and Tasitolu . The 18.1 kilometres (11.2 mi) Cristo Rei Protected Area lies on
6440-453: The broad distinction between those from the east and those from the west. In April 2006, disputes within the military between a leadership mostly from the east of the country and soldiers mostly from the west spilled over into street violence in Dili. Disputes over housing, again mostly between groups from the east and west, contributed to property destruction. Most of the 150,000 people displaced were from Dili, including about half of
6555-476: The capital of Portuguese Timor in 1769. It also serves as the capital of the Dili Municipality , which includes some rural subdivisions in addition to the urban ones that make up the city itself. Dili's growing population is relatively youthful, being mostly of working age. The local language is Tetum ; however, residents include many internal migrants from other areas of the country. The initial settlement
6670-449: The city centre, mainly in the sucos of Caicori, Colmera, and Gricenfor. Sucos, administrative posts, and municipalities are all tasked with setting up a Disaster Management Committee. These are responsible for planning, public awareness, and disaster response. The borders of sucos, and the aldeias within them, are often undefined. Reasons for this include the history of displacement, and taboo over formal demarcation. Land registration
6785-446: The city claim ownership of their homes, with 90% of homes considered owned by an individual or by a family. Land valuation is often unclear. Sandalwood The nomenclature and the taxonomy of the genus are derived from this species' historical and widespread use. Etymologically it is ultimately derived from Sanskrit चन्दन Chandana ( čandana ), meaning "wood for burning incense" and related to candrah , "shining, glowing" and
6900-474: The city is around 8°35′S, 125°36′E. The city lies mostly within the larger Dili Municipality , whose total area was 367 square kilometres (142 sq mi) when including Atauro Island , north of Dili, which was formerly part of the municipality before becoming a separate municipality on 1 January 2022. The municipalities bordering Dili are Aileu , Liquiçá , and Manatuto . The municipality contains 31 sucos, divided into 241 aldeias. The urban area of
7015-588: The city of Dili extends through four of the Dili Municipality's Administrative Posts, Cristo Rei , Dom Aleixo , Nain Feto , and Vera Cruz . 18 sucos within these are considered urban, and this urban area is perhaps 48 square kilometres (19 sq mi) large. The wider urban area extends west into the Tibar suco of the Bazartete Administrative Post in the Liquiçá Municipality . The combined area of all sucos within
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#17328555499177130-533: The city's residents. Around 72,000 people ended up in camps, while 80,000 fled to rural areas. Rice prices in the city increased by half by October 2006, and then almost doubled again by February 2007. Foreign military intervention was needed to restore order. A National Recovery Strategy was put in place following the 2007 national election to return these people. In 2008, around 30,000 people displaced from Dili remained in camps, while 70,000 continued to live with friends or family. Continuing unrest led to
7245-462: The city, with the entire province previously being restricted. A visit by Pope John Paul II in 1989 was interrupted by independence activists. On 12 November 1991, Indonesian forces were filmed shooting at a funeral procession . This led to global condemnation of Indonesia's rule in East Timor, increasing pressure for East Timorese self-determination. The 1997 Asian financial crisis along with
7360-606: The city. Administrative buildings were looted, and much of the city was destroyed by fire. 120,000 people became refugees. International pressure grew for an international peacekeeping force to replace the Indonesian military, which Indonesia agreed to on 12 September. On 14 September, the UN evacuated refugees that had been sheltering in its Dili compound to Australia. The Australian-led International Force East Timor arrived on 20 September. Dili continued to grow under UN rule. As Indonesian infrastructure investment outside of Dili
7475-571: The city. The last Portuguese governor fled Dili for Atauro Island on 26 August, as the civil war continued. On 28 November, Fretilin declared independence in a ceremony in Dili. On 7 December, Indonesia landed paratroopers in the city and amphibious forces to its west , as part of an invasion of East Timor , leading many to flee the city. This invasion brought the territory under Indonesian rule. On 17 July 1976, Indonesia annexed East Timor, which it designated its 27th province . Despite Indonesian attempts to restrict rural-urban migration,
7590-451: The colony. The 1960 census recorded the population of Dili to be about 7,000 people. By 1970, the urban population reached around 17,000. The city did not extend far beyond the area surrounding the port, and the population did not exceed 30,000 before 1975. Portuguese Timor became a full part of Portugal in 1951, although despite being made citizens of Portugal this did not bring the locals any political power. Governance remained in
7705-402: The commercialization of Australian sandalwood ( Santalum spicatum ) in sandalwood plantations in Australia and China, although sandalwood album ( Santalum album ) is still considered to have the best and original quality in terms of religion and alternative medicine. Santalum spicatum is marketed as the notable members of this group today by merchants because of its stable sources; others in
7820-511: The control of Lisbon. The Portuguese Overseas Organic Law of 1963 created the first Legislative Council of the territory, which was given some of the powers formerly held by the governor. It also theoretically extended voting rights to the 'uncivilised', although property and tax requirements meant most were still unable to vote. The 1974 Carnation Revolution in Portugal created immediate change in East Timor, with new political parties forming with
7935-462: The core of the city are clustered around the Port of Dili . The outskirts of the city are the most recently developed, and grew organically without much urban planning. The central core (Bairro Central) contains most administrative buildings, and has the most buildings constructed with masonry . It retains many buildings that reflect Portuguese-era architecture. To the east of the central government area
8050-411: The death of the governor at the time. The territory was separated from Macau for the last time in 1896, again coming directly under the jurisdiction of Lisbon, and becoming a full province in 1909. Another notable revolt took place in the years after the 1910 republican revolution in Portugal. The republican government downgraded the status of its overseas provinces to colonies. A civil government
8165-592: The drier tropical regions of India and the Indonesian islands of Timor and Sumba. It spread to other regions through the incense trade route by the vast Indian and Arab mercantile networks and the Chinese maritime trade routes until the sixteenth century CE. The sandalwood of peninsular India and the Malay Archipelago supported most consumption in East Asia and West Asia during the time of the incense trade route before
8280-470: The dry season. Climate change is shifting weather patterns, and may exacerbate extreme weather events. The highest single recorded temperature in the city up to 2013 was 36 °C or 96.8 °F in November 2011, while the lowest has been 14 °C or 57.2 °F in August 2013. The old quarter of the city lies within what is now the city's eastern half. The original Portuguese settlement occurred in
8395-515: The early years of independence. From 1990 to 2014, agricultural use of the flat land around Dili is thought to have decreased by around 40%, replaced by horticulture and aquaculture in the east and by urban areas in the west. Wetlands have also further decreased, drained and built upon. By 2006, Dili produced half of the country's non-oil GDP. It was also receiving two-thirds of government expenditure, and 80% of goods and services. However, economic benefits were distributed unequally. 1999 saw
8510-453: The east led to the city being isolated in 1861; however, the revolt was defeated by the Portuguese and their Timorese allies. In 1863, Dili was declared a city (although the news may not have arrived to the city until the next year), and East Timor became directly subordinate to the Lisbon government. In 1866 the territory was again put under the jurisdiction of Macau. An 1887 mutiny in Dili led to
8625-488: The east. Behau is the most recently proposed of the three areas, and the government is considering abolishing it and replacing it with smaller areas. BirdLife International has identified Cristo Rei Protected Area and Tastitolu as falling within Important Bird Areas . Development can occur in these areas with the approval of the national government. Near-threatened bird species found in these protected areas include
8740-522: The eastward expansion of Buddhism. Zoroastrians offer sandalwood twigs to the afarganyu, the urn in which the fire is kept at the fire temple (called agiyari in Gujarati and dar-e mehr in Persian ), to keep the fire burning during religious ceremonies. After the firekeeping priests complete the ceremony, attendees are allowed to come up to the afarganyu and place their own pieces of sandalwood into
8855-469: The eighth-highest living costs of any city in Asia, despite the country's having Asia's lowest GDP. At this point, the city had around 300 youth groups, some of which were involved in the informal economy . These groups, driven by unemployment, were often connected to former guerrillas and current politicians. Many developed identities reflecting the regional origins of their members, especially with regards to
8970-533: The end of Indonesian subsidises of core food products, which alongside infrastructure destruction led to rapid inflation. Under UN rule, the use of the US dollar and the purchasing power of international organisations led to price increases. Together, these factors led to extremely high costs of living. Electricity cost four times as much as it did in Indonesia, averaging $ 15 per household. Telecommunications and petrol similarly grew in price compared to Indonesia. By 2006 Dili had
9085-471: The exact administrative structure is unknown. It received its first dedicated governor in 1702, who resided in Lifau . This reflected the growing importance of Timor compared to nearby Flores . 1749 saw Dutch military forces take control over large portions of the island, broadly reflecting current borders . In 1769, as Lifau came under the increasing influence of powerful local families collectively known as
9200-524: The fire. Fire has been a sacred symbol in the Zoroastrian religion since ancient times and it is considered very important to keep the fires in the temples constantly burning . Because of its high sensitivity to fire, sandalwood works very well for this. Also, the wood has been accepted by the Yasna and Yashts (sacred texts) as an appropriate fuel for the fire. It is offered to all of the three grades of fire in
9315-462: The genus also have fragrant wood. These are found in India , Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, Indonesia, Hawaii, and other Pacific Islands , Various unrelated plants with scented wood and also referred to as sandalwood, but not in the true sandalwood genus: Producing commercially valuable sandalwood with high levels of fragrance oils requires Indian sandalwood ( S. album ) trees to be
9430-588: The goal of independence from Portugal. Relationships between these new parties was fractious. Some, particularly the Timorese Democratic Union (UDT), advocated union with Indonesia. On 11 August 1975, the UDT initiated a coup. UDT control was limited outside of Dili, and on 20 August the opposing Fretilin party began its attempt to seize the city. Some houses were set on fire to assist the defence; however, after some days Fretilin succeeded in taking control of
9545-539: The government and NGOs to tackle issues such as skills development, youth engagement, and women's empowerment. Some sucos developed community laws to reduce violence. By 2010 the municipal population reached 234,026 people, of which 210,250 lived in urban areas. In 2018 the population reached 281,000 people. During a period of COVID-19 restrictions , the city was hit by the worst flood in 50 years in April 2021. Land use within Dili's urban area as of 2014 Dili lies on
9660-518: The government launched the City of Peace campaign to reduce tensions. As the population has continued to grow and the original site of the city has filled up, the urban area has expanded into coastal areas to the east and west of the main city. Infrastructure in Dili continues to be developed. The city was the first location in East Timor to see 24 hours of electricity, although its water infrastructure remains relatively limited. Education levels are higher than
9775-590: The island from Portuguese Malacca occurred in 1516, returning with sandalwood. In 1521, sandalwood was left out of a list of products under royal monopoly, leaving most trade with Timor in the hands of private enterprises. Portuguese and Spanish interest in the island increased in the 1520s, with regular trade established by 1524. In the late 1500s, administrative officials began to be appointed to nearby Solor with jurisdiction over that island and Timor, signifying increasing state interest in Portuguese activities there. The Netherlands began to compete for control of
9890-447: The island in 1613, especially in the west. A rebellion in 1629 forced the Portuguese off the island for three years. In 1641, a number of kings in Timor converted to Catholicism while seeking Portuguese protection. This introduced a political dimension to Portuguese influence, which had previously been primarily economic. Timor became administratively separated from Solor in 1646, although
10005-532: The main city of Dili (although not in Hera or Tibar), rivers have reinforced to contain a once-in-25-year flood. Small-scale flooding occurs in a minority of houses a few times each year, and reports of land subsidence are found throughout the city. The Maloa river is the most commonly flooded. Landslides have previously caused damage and loss of life. The area is thought to face earthquake and tsunami risks, although no major events have occurred. Air pollution
10120-430: The majority grown around Kununurra , in the far north of the state by Quintis (formerly Tropical Forestry Services), which in 2017 controlled around 80% of the world's supply of Indian sandalwood, and Santanol . India used to be the world's biggest producer, but it has been overtaken by Australia in the 21st century. Over-exploitation is partly to blame for the decline. However, ethical plantations in India are on
10235-573: The market, lower-ranking family members began to harvest the trees without permission, encouraging many farmers to harvest their trees defensively and thus leading to over harvest. In 2007, Mike Evans published a scholarly report on Tongan sandalwood overharvest and the socio-environmental implications of resource commodification and privatized land tenure. Evan’s concluded that “whatever the short-term ecological benefits of enforcing privatized land tenure, because private property not only fragments social ties by allowing an individual to deny others, it has
10350-401: The mountains separating central Dili and Hera. The 3.8 kilometres (2.4 mi) Tasitolu area lies near the border of the Dili and Liquiçá municipalities, and covers land and some coastal waters. It is being developed as a recreational site and holy area. The large 274.9 kilometres (170.8 mi) Behau protected area covers much of the sea off eastern Dili, as well as coastal areas in Hera and to
10465-399: The national average, and the country's universities are located in the city. An international port and airport lie within the city limits. Most economic activity comes from the tertiary sector and public employment. To further build the economy, the government is developing the tourism potential of the city, focusing on cultural, environmental, and historical attractions. Dili has played
10580-584: The northern coast of the island of Timor , which is among the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands and lies in the UTC+9 timezone. Offshore is the Ombai Strait of the Savu Sea . To the south is the central mountain range running through Timor, which extends north to the coast on the west and east surrounding the core city. The underlying ground is predominately limestone and marine clay . The precise location of
10695-496: The other sides of these spurs . Tibar lies on the opposite site of the western range, while Hera lies on the opposite side of the eastern range. Another spur encloses Hera on its east. The Comoro River flows through the western side of the city, while the Bemorl and Benmauc Rivers join together in the East. The Maloa river lies between these. The Maucau river flows through Tibar, while
10810-523: The past it has been used to host refugees and distribute aid. Dili is the administrative centre of the Dili Municipality , serving as both the municipal and national capital. The municipality has an elected mayor and council. East Timor's municipalities are divided into administrative posts , and each of these is divided into sucos . The central city of Dili is spread over four of the six administrative posts within Dili municipality: Cristo Rei , Dom Aleixo , Nain Feto , and Vera Cruz . The Hera suco
10925-462: The peace campaign on Dili reflects the influence it has on the entire country, with the government expecting its impacts would extend beyond the city itself. The Latelek (Bridge) Project was instituted from 2010 to 2012 by some organs of the Catholic Church to improve community cohesion, reintegrating previously displaced individuals with those who had remained. Other programs were initiated by
11040-403: The population of Dili continued to grow, reaching 80,000 people in 1985, and over 100,000 in 1999, and economic growth for the territory remained centred in Dili. The city also proved a destination for those fleeing the insurgency in rural areas. Indonesia developed the city's infrastructure, partly as an attempt to win over the population. Structures and monuments built during this time include
11155-471: The potential to fragment the regional ecology as well.” Sandalwood oil has a distinctive soft, warm, smooth, creamy, and milky precious-wood scent. Its quality and scent profile is greatly influenced by the age of the tree, location and the skill of the distiller. It imparts a long-lasting, woody base to perfumes from the oriental, woody, fougère , and chypre families, as well as a fixative to floral and citrus fragrances. When used in smaller proportions in
11270-428: The resettlement of some displaced people to their previous homes. In May 2009, the year-long Dili City of Peace campaign was launched by Jose Ramos-Horta . The initiative was created to build unity and prevent violence, with the 2006 East Timorese crisis in mind. The campaign included dialogues between different sectors of Timorese society, a cycling tour, a Dili marathon, and a reforestation initiative. Focusing
11385-416: The rise, and India is expected to increase its supply manyfold by 2030, owing to favourable weather conditions and competitive pricing. Australian sandalwood ( S. spicatum ) is grown in commercial plantations throughout the wheatbelt of Western Australia, where it has been an important part of the economy since colonial times. As of 2020 WA has the largest plantation resource in the world. Sandalwood
11500-440: The same time period. The overall average is 902 millimetres or 35.51 inches annually, although there is significant variation between years. Mean temperatures average around 26 to 28 °C (78.8 to 82.4 °F). This changes by 10.8 to 13.8 °C (19.4 to 24.8 °F) throughout the day, from minimums at around 20 °C or 68 °F to maximums at over 33 °C or 91.4 °F. There are larger temperature changes during
11615-438: The sandalwood resources were depleted over the span of two years. Tongan people have a unique social dynamic referred to as “fahu.” On the one hand, the kinship system of fahu is able to ensure biodiversity and sustainability in contemporary Tonga. But on the other hand, a principal factor in the over harvest of the ‘ahi tree was the result of the defensive actions of farmers defying fahu customs. As sandalwood became valuable in
11730-574: The seafront. This location was part of the 1951 urban plan. The primary building here is the Government Palace , consists of three two-story buildings connected by a single arcade which were built at different periods between 1953 and 1969. Another old building is the former Market Hall . The government has identified a number of heritage buildings in the city, especially in the old quarter. New buildings are being built to house cultural institutions. The Museum and Cultural Centre of Timor-Leste
11845-507: The settlement being centred on its port, with the immediate port area containing trade facilities, church buildings, military buildings, government buildings, the residence of the governor and his deputy, a residence for a representative of the Motael kingdom, and a residence for the Queen of Manatuto. Of these, only the church and the Finance Deputy's house used masonry . To the east of this core
11960-426: The state. It also set up a system of registration based on occupation. Residents can claim land they live in, if there are no objections from others. The 2006 crisis put an end to attempts to enforce rent. Evictions from state property are rare. A cadastral survey began in 2008. As of 2014, 70% of the land in Dili had been surveyed, although this information is not public. Despite this lack of information, most in
12075-417: The struggle against both periods of foreign rule. The National Stadium has two seating stands, one on either side, with grass banks providing space for other spectators. It has a capacity of around 9,000 people. It is often used to host association football , the most popular sport in the country, although infrastructure issues mean the national team must sometimes play home games in other countries. In
12190-425: The time of the monument's construction in 1996. The Integration Monument commemorates the Indonesian annexation of the territory in 1976. It takes the shape of a statue of an East Timorese warrior in traditional dress breaking the chains round his wrists, deliberate chosen to associate traditional Timorese identity with Indonesian rule. The monument has not been demolished, but is instead now regarded as representing
12305-450: The urban region is 17,862 hectares (44,140 acres), however this includes terrain considered too steep for habitation, with only perhaps 37%, or 6,698 hectares (16,550 acres), flat enough for development. As of 2014, only 25.5% of the total area was developed. The main city lies within an area of flat lowlands of less than 100m altitude, mostly between 0 and 60m, and a slope under 15 degrees. This includes an alluvial plain , and
12420-542: The vote. In August 1999, East Timor voted for independence . The vote led to a period of extreme violence , as pro-Indonesian militia were unchecked by the Indonesian military that was meant to be providing security. On 4 September, when the result was announced, Indonesian police began to leave Dili. In the first 48 hours, international media organisations present in the city reported 145 deaths. Most foreigners were evacuated. Violence continued for several days, causing significant damage to infrastructure and housing in
12535-506: Was Bidau and a Chinese settlement, to the west was the main settlement of the Motael kingdom. In 1844 Timor, along with Macau and Solor, was removed from the jurisdiction of Portuguese India , with the three areas becoming a new Portuguese province. A few years later in 1850, Portuguese Timor was removed from the jurisdiction of the governor of Macau, before being returned to the jurisdiction of Portuguese India in 1856. When English naturalist and explorer Alfred Russel Wallace visited in
12650-506: Was divided between three populations, one mainly Portuguese, one of Mestiços and locals from other Portuguese colonies (which became Bidau ), and one for troops from a kingdom thought to be in Flores . From 1788 to 1790, a civil war broke out between the governor in Dili and an official based in Manatuto , which was resolved upon the arrival of a new governor. In response to Dutch provocations,
12765-415: Was established in 1913. Permanent structures in Portuguese style continued to be constructed into the 20th century. A new town hall was built from 1912 to 1915. The main church was demolished in 1933, and a new cathedral opened in its place in 1937. (This cathedral was later destroyed by allied bombing in the Second World War.) Four distinct residential districts developed around the city core. Bidau
12880-408: Was friendly with the Portuguese authorities. The governor occupied an existing fortified structure, and with the assistance of the Motael leader began to construct a new settlement. The area surrounding the settlement was wetlands fed by rivers from the mountains, and proved conducive to rice cultivation. A wall was built to separate the coastal city from wetlands to its south. The initial settlement
12995-406: Was not replicated by the UN government, leaving it to deteriorate, population growth was driven in part due to internal migration from these areas to the city. Housing left abandoned by Indonesians in 1999 was occupied by squatters. This was most common in the western areas of the city. Most inward migration during this period was from eastern areas of the country. Population growth combined with
13110-454: Was situated in what is now the old quarter in the eastern side of the city. Centuries of Portuguese rule were interrupted in World War II , when Dili became the site of a battle between Allied and Japanese forces. The damaged city returned to Portuguese control following the war. In 1975, a civil war between Timorese political parties broke out, leading to a declaration of independence and
13225-405: Was the largest, and Benamauc joined it on the eastern side. Caicole developed to the south between the city and Lahane. Colmera developed as a commercial area to the west with a large number of Muslim traders. Motael continued to develop, becoming the site of the city's lighthouse. Motael Church began to be built in 1901. Inland to the southwest, a Chinese cemetery was established, and beyond that
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