Simit is a large island, fringed with a thin band of agricultural land
and date palms, but with a barren and rocky interior. Most settlement
is along the east side and around the north (downstream) end of the island.
There are about 15 discrete settlements on the island, including Saab,
Eshiig, Tebdikki, Kurtaanikki, Diyaabikki, Annassikki, Amankinynya, Kayyin,
Shigil, Fiil, Deesabikki, Osmanikki, Suraay, Meinimikki, Abjaara Daawu
and Abjjaara kuduud. The topographic survey visited the island in 2001
and the first archaeological survey was carried out during the spring of
2002.
SMT 001
Saabindiffi, Fortified settlement, Med/post-medieval
Large fortified settlement at northern tip of island. Ref :1 /120
SMT 002
Saab Qubba Cemetery post-medieval
Cemetery with at least 2 qubba tombs, one of Sheikh Ibrahim Nasr ibn Ahmed, the other Sheikh Hasan Shablo. Ref:1/130
SMT 003
Osmanikki Diffi post-medieval
Poorly preserved diffi on river bank, with only west wall substantially preserved. Ref:1/125
SMT 004
Shigilindiffi Diffi post-medieval
Diffi facing the east bank on rocky outcrop, surrounded by cultivation; at southeast tip of islamd. Stone foundations and mud superstructure. Three towers survive. Ref: 1/107
SMT 005
Diyaabikki Diffi post-medieval
Stone diffi within modern settlement; inhabited until 1957. Ref :1/115
SMT 006
Saab Cemetery Med/post-medieval
Cemetery area to west of Saab, and partly covered by modern settlement. Some N-S graves with mudbrick vaults covered with stones; some EW graves. Site threatened by expanding settlement. Test excavations 2002.
SMT 007
Tabdikki Occupation Medieval
Scatters of stone and sherds on low mound within hamlet. Parts of mudbrick structure survive with a second mudbrick structure to east, close to cultivated area.
SMT 008
Diyaabikki
Scatters of human bone and coarse sherds on NW side of hamlet.
SMT 009
Amankinynya Diffi Postmedieval
Large diffi in centre of hamlet. Central elements are well-preserved, with jalus walls standing up to 4m. Three towers with entrance in SE corner tower.
SMT 010
Amankinynya
Four low stone-covered mounds to west of hamlet. No surface sherds. Further investigation required.
SMT 011
Fiil Occupation & Cemetery Med/post-medieval?
Sherd scatters on low mounds close to cultivation with two probable cemetery areas to N and NE. Test excavations.
SMT 012
Abjaara Dawwi
Surface scatters of human bone within area of modern hamlet. Possible post-medieval sherds associated with them? Further investigation required.
SMT 013
Diyaabikki Occupation Palaeolithic
Lithic spreads over extendive area to SE of school, south of hamlet.
SMT 014
Diyaabikki
At least four possible circular grave mounds on raised pebble- covered rocky area. Eroded sherds and lithics also in the area; possibly not associated with graves.
SMT 015
Cemetery ? ?
Possible cemetery is rocky area of raised ground. Further investigation required.
SMT 016
Cemetery ?
Small group of low circular tumuli to SE of small hill. Abundant surface sherd scatters in area. Further investigation required.
SMT 017
Mosque
The main mosque of Simit is reputed to be of considerable age and was built
by Sheikh Ibrahim Nasr Ibn Ahmed, possibly around 1700 although some traditions
claim a date as early as 1300 (700AH). (Ref: topo1/141)
SMT 018
Eshiig Shrine
Shrine of Fagiir Haj in cemetery in centre of island to west of Eshiig.
Built in mudbrick as rectangular structure with mihrab. (Ref: topo1/134)