“Simsimiyya”.. the secret of joy that crossed from the canal to UNESCO

Cultural initiatives to teach children how to play the simsimiyya instrument have begun in the cities of Port Said, Ismailia, and Suez, in support of registering the instrument on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Some initiatives resumed their activities following the simsimiyya forum, which was recently held in Ismailia. Teams affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and other independent groups presented their performances at the forum. Meanwhile, sesame maker Mohamed Mida was enthusiastic about making additional instruments in preparation for marketing them.