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Simsimiya Musical Instrument Manufacture

Mohamed Ghaly, a 57-year-old simsimiya maker, is crafting the traditional instrument in Port Said, Egypt, on April 29, 2024. The simsimiya, which has its origins in the Pharaonic instrument known as the kanara, resembles a smaller version of the current harp with seven strings made from animal intestines. This instrument made its way to the canal cities through the people of Upper Egypt who worked on the Suez Canal, evolving into the modern simsimiya. This version consists of a wooden box, a bowl, or a sheet plate covered with thin skin, featuring two widely spaced arms known as the outrigger and a third arm forming a triangular base called a strap. These parts are held together with strong threads made from the nerves of Al-Tur and are often decorated with beads, inscriptions, and pendants. (Photo by Mahmoud Elkhwas/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#11197625
Date Taken	29 April 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Mahmoud Elkhwas/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Mahmoud Elkhwas/NurPhoto

Port Said Egypt Mohamed Ghaly simsimiya maker April 29 2024 Pharaonic instrument kanara harp animal intestines Suez Canal Upper Egypt wood bowl sheet plate thin skin outrigger triangle base strap strong threads Al-Tur nerves beads inscriptions pendants Mahmoud Elkhwas NurPhoto canal cities seven strings musical instrument craftsmanship Egyptian culture traditional music historical evolution instrument decoration cultural heritage artisan photojournalism musical heritage woodworking.