In 2005, Mohamed Ghali, affectionately known as “El-Raiyes Ghali – Boss Ghali,” embarked on his mission to develop the Simsimiyya instrument by founding the Simsimiyya Heritage Museum. This followed his pivotal role in establishing the “Tanbūra Band” in the 1990s, a group that became a crucial symbol of Port Said’s enduring heritage and cultural legacy.
Although Mohamed Ghali, also known as “El-Raiyes Ghali,” was skilled in carpentry, his role in the “Tanbūra” band extended beyond his craft. He was responsible for memorizing traditional songs for the band members and occasionally performed with them. One day, the band members requested that he make a “Simsimiyya”. His craftsmanship impressed them so much that they requested more instruments. This marked the beginning of El-Raiyes Ghali’s journey into Simsimiyya making, which he pursued in the inner canal area, behind the used goods market in the Arab neighborhood.
A Museum, A Workshop
Ghali founded the Simsimiyya Museum at the Al-Torathya Center for Arts and Culture, Egypt’s first and only museum dedicated to this instrument. Located in the Al-Manakh neighborhood, opposite the Industrial Technical Institute in Port Said, Ghali recounted to Al-Porsaidiya the origins of his journey. A passionate carpenter with a love for music, his interest in the Simsimiyya began during his time at the Industrial Secondary School. There, he crafted his first Simsimiyya using a small plate, wood, and wires, earning widespread admiration.
Over the past four decades, Ghali dedicated himself to mastering his new profession. He continuously improved the Simsimiyya, increasing its strings and enhancing its materials. His refined instruments, proudly bearing the “Made in Port Said” badge, have been exported to Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
In 2005, Ghali took a significant step towards preserving the cultural heritage of the Simsimiyya by establishing his workshop, aptly named the “Al-Torath – Heritage” workshop. Reflecting on his deep connection with the instrument, Ghali says, “the Simsimiyya is a magical instrument; it calls to me, and I answer.”
History of Simsimiyya in Port Said
Ghali recounted the journey of Simsimiyya, stating, “it was brought by Nubian workers while digging the Suez Canal.” He further explained, “throughout the last century, the Simsimiyya, with its distinctive triangular structure, became synonymous with the coastal cities along the Suez Canal. It has also been found in Sudan, Yemen, and other Arab countries, with a particularly strong presence in the city of Port Said.”
“The history of the Simsimiyya is ancient, tracing back to its origins as a Pharaonic instrument in Egypt. It is depicted on the walls of temples from the south to the north of the country, resembling the harp. The Simsimiyya has garnered many admirers, not only for its distinctive music and sound but also for its role in wartime resistance songs, making it a source of public admiration,” he added.
Before the widespread popularity of the Simsimiyya during the 1960s and 1970s, there were no specialized manufacturers of this instrument. Recognizing this gap, Ghali was determined to establish a workshop dedicated to the craft of Simsimiyya making.
“I enhanced the instrument”, Ghali explained, “because it originally had only five strings and was known as the “helpless instrument.” As I developed it and increased the number of strings, it gained acceptance among musicians and began to be recognized as a legitimate musical instrument.”
Regarding the secrets of crafting the Simsimiyya, Ghali explained, “The Simsimiyya is made from wood, following traditional guidelines. The wood is then meticulously detailed, painted, and fitted with strings. It has a unique playing style distinct from other stringed instruments.”
Heritage Journey
Throughout his career, Ghali has collaborated with the most renowned Simsimiyya players of Port Said. Among them are Kamel Eid, the esteemed dean of the Simsimiyya, and Mohamed Abdulqader, known as the “guardian of heritage.” Abdulqader, a celebrated Port Said vernacular poet, also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port Said Artists and Writers Association.
Ghali has also collaborated with prominent figures such as author Mohamed El-Shennawy, screenwriter Mohamed El-Basousy, the late singer Hassan El-Ashry, and El-Raiyes Kanesh. These individuals are esteemed members of the Tanbūra band.
Reflecting on this rich history, Ghali shared his aspirations for “Al-Torathya”: “I dream that it will grow and relocate to a more accessible place, like in downtown, where everyone can experience it. I envision a large manufacturing department dedicated to producing the Simsimiyya. My goal is for this instrument to endure through the ages, allowing current and future generations to recognize it as a symbol of heritage.
