Suez Canal at 70: A Cultural Reflection Through Music, Art, and Literature

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Jul 27, 2026 ALN: With July 26 marking 70 years since Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser announced the nationalisation of the Suez Canal, the man-made waterway remains etched in Egyptian culture and national memory seven decades on. The canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, was completed in 1869 and has served as a critical artery for global maritime trade, but its significance extends far beyond its economic utility.

Nasser's decision to nationalise the Suez Canal was emblematic of a broader movement for Arab nationalism and anti-colonialism during the mid-20th century. This pivotal moment in history was not merely a political maneuver; it represented a rejection of imperialist control and a claim to national sovereignty that resonated deeply with the Egyptian populace. Following Nasser's announcement, Britain, France, and Israel launched a military invasion in October 1956, aiming to regain control over the canal and undermine Nasser's leadership. However, international pressure, particularly from the United States and the Soviet Union, forced the invading forces to withdraw, solidifying Egypt's control over the canal and enhancing Nasser's status as a leader of the Arab world.

Already celebrated as a feat of engineering, the canal became an enduring symbol of sovereignty and resistance. It has been a focal point for various political movements and has inspired countless narratives that explore the complexities of identity, power, and struggle. Often missing from this mainstream story of national history are the experiences of communities in Port Said, Ismailia, and Suez. These three cities grew around or alongside the waterway, and the lives of their residents were shaped and upended by labor, war, and displacement. The canal's history is intertwined with the stories of those who lived and worked in its shadow, and Egyptian artists have told and retold these experiences through music, film, visual art, and literature.

Several of these traditions will be represented in Ismailia on July 26, when the fourth Simsimiyya Forum opens at Ismailia Culture Palace. The event brings together ensembles from the canal cities and other parts of Egypt to perform music rooted in the region. This celebration of culture not only honors the historical significance of the canal but also highlights the ongoing legacy of the communities that have thrived alongside it.

Here are some ways in which the Suez Canal has been represented across Egyptian culture.

How simsimiyya became the canal’s folk music

The construction of the Suez Canal helped spread a distinctive Egyptian folk genre known as simsimiyya. Named after its signature stringed instrument, simsimiyya music features storytelling lyrics that reflect life and romance beside the waterway. This genre was carried by workers from Upper Egypt, Nubia, and Sudan who arrived to dig the canal in the 19th century. The music is characterized by its lively rhythms and emotive melodies, which convey the joys and struggles of the laborers.

Played by laborers, sailors, and fishermen, simsimiyya music accompanies social gatherings called damma, where performers form a circle around a lead singer. These gatherings serve not only as entertainment but also as a means of community bonding and cultural expression. During the 1956 invasion, the music took on a more political purpose, reflecting the resilience and defiance of the people in the face of adversity.

The traditional Port Said song Fi Port Said Shabab Wa Rigal (In Port Said, Youth and Men) vividly describes the impact of conflict on daily life, detailing blocked navigation and cuts to Port Said’s water and electricity. The song captures how the battle for the canal entered the very fabric of the community, intertwining the struggles of the residents with the broader national narrative.

In the aftermath of the 1967 war, musical groups such as Awlad El Ard emerged, singing for families displaced from the canal region. Their song Bokra Hatirga Tani (Tomorrow You Will Return Again) became an anthem of hope for those who longed to return to their homes and fields, encapsulating the deep emotional ties that residents have with the land and the waterway.

The repertoire of simsimiyya music was revived in the late 1980s by El Tanbura, a band founded by Zakaria Ibrahim in Port Said. The band sought to collect songs from older performers and bring them to audiences in Egypt and abroad. This revival not only preserved the musical heritage of the canal but also introduced new generations to the stories and struggles of their ancestors. In 2024, the simsimiyya was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity through a joint nomination by Egypt and Saudi Arabia, further solidifying its importance in the cultural landscape of the region.

The Suez Crisis on screen

Egyptian cinema and television have placed the Suez Canal at the center of dramas about nationalization, espionage, and local resistance. These works have made the events surrounding the waterway part of popular history, shaping public perception and understanding of the canal's significance in Egyptian identity.

The 1957 film Port Said, starring Farid Shawqi, dramatizes the city’s resistance during the invasion of Egypt by Britain, France, and Israel. Released within a year of the conflict, the film captures the urgency and turmoil of the time, showing how the struggle for the canal brought war into local streets and neighborhoods. The portrayal of ordinary citizens standing against foreign powers resonates with themes of heroism and sacrifice that are prevalent in Egyptian cinema.

Another notable film is the 1996 black-and-white production Nasser 56, in which Ahmed Zaki starred as the Egyptian president. This film examines the pivotal moments that led to the Suez Crisis, exploring the political dynamics and personal struggles of Nasser as he navigated the turbulent waters of international diplomacy and national pride. Through dramatic reenactments and compelling storytelling, these films have contributed to a collective memory that honors the sacrifices made by those who fought for Egypt's sovereignty.

Artistic portrayal of power and sacrifice

Through various artistic mediums, the Suez Canal has been depicted as a symbol of national pride and resilience, reflecting the complex narratives of conflict, identity, and the human experience shaped by this vital waterway. Visual artists have also drawn inspiration from the canal, creating works that capture its beauty and significance. Paintings, photographs, and installations often explore themes of navigation, migration, and the intersection of nature and human endeavor.

Literary works have similarly engaged with the canal's history, with authors weaving narratives that explore the lives of those affected by its construction and the geopolitical struggles surrounding it. The canal serves as a backdrop for stories of love, loss, and resilience, illustrating how a physical space can embody the hopes and dreams of a nation.

The cultural reflections surrounding the Suez Canal are not merely historical artifacts; they are living expressions of a society that continues to grapple with its identity and legacy. As Egypt commemorates 70 years of the canal's nationalization, it is essential to recognize the diverse voices and experiences that have shaped its history. The artistic representations of the canal remind us that its significance extends beyond commerce and trade; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Egyptian people, their struggles for autonomy, and their aspirations for a brighter future.