Simsimiyya

The simsimiyya (Egyptian Arabic: سمسمية, and سنسمية sinsimia/sinsimiyya; pl. simsimiyyāt/sinsimiyyāt) is an indigenous Egyptian stringed instrument that has its roots in ancient Egypt. It is used in Egypt in certain genres of Egyptian music.

A simsimiyya being played by an Egyptian band.

A simsimiyya being played by an Egyptian band.

Ancient Egyptian lyre.

The simsimiyya is used in an Egyptian genre of folk music known as Sawahli (coastal) music, which is a type of popular Egyptian music from the country's northern coast that is based around ancient Egyptian instrumentals. The simsimiyya was probably introduced to the country's northern coast from the Nile valley in the 19th century by Egyptian workers in the Suez Canal. It is also used in other genres of Egyptian music. Well known Egyptian bands that feature the simsimiyya as a main instrument include el-Tanboura, which uses other ancient Egyptian instruments.

The simsimiyya is often used to accompany an Egyptian dance called bambutiyya, as well as among the groups of Egyptian musicians known as suhbagiyya, in the cities of Port Said and Ismailia.

It is sometimes used in other countries neighboring Egypt as well.