Simsimiyya

A simsimiyya being played.

The simsimiyya (Arabic: سمسمية‎) is a traditional plucked lyre used in Egypt, Jordan and Yemen.

It is mostly used by Bedouins as a social instrument. In Egypt it is traditionally used to accompany a dance called bambutiyya, as well as among the musicians called suhbagiyya, in the cities of Port Said and Ismailiyya.

References

• Shiloah, Amnon. "The Simsimiyya: A Stringed Instrument of the Red Sea Area." Asian Music, vol. 4, no. 1, Near East-Turkestan Issue (1972), pp. 15-26.

External links

• Simsimiyya page
• Simsimiyya page
• Simsimiyya photos

Video

• ''Simsimiyya solo - Aqaba folk troup
• Simsimiyya video

Listening

• Audio sample

See also

• Tanbūra

Traditional Arabic musical instruments Plucked lutes Buzuq Gimbri Guembri Lotar Oud Qanbūs Sintir Lavta Zithers Qanun Bowed lutes Kamanjah Rababa Lyres Simsimiyya Kissar Tanbūra Flutes Ney Kawala Reed instruments Arghul Habbān Jirba Mijwiz Mizmar Mizwad Rhaita Drums Bendir Daf Goblet drum Hajir Mazhar Mirwas Naqara Naqareh Riq Tar Tabl baladi Other percussion Krakebs Manjur Mihbaj Sagat (zills) Sistrum Clapping Clay Jug