“Sim-sim open” is an expression from the category of spells to which people from ancient times gave magical meaning. Pronouncing them, they directly addressed the object of magical influence in the form of an imperative. These could be demands, orders, requests, pleas, motives, prohibitions, threats, warnings. The use of "sim-sim" is especially widely known as the order that was used in the tale.
Treasure key
The plot of the tale "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" is built around the riches that were locked in a cave. In order to penetrate into it, it was necessary to cast a spell: "Sim-sim open!". Without it, access to treasures was impossible. To hide the cave, it was necessary to say: "Sim-sim, close!"
In this form, the specified spell is present in the translation of "A Thousand and One Nights" by Mikhail Aleksandrovich Salier. This was an outstanding work, which is the only complete translation of this monument of Arab culture, carried out from the original into Russian. The first volume of fairy tales was published by the Academy publishing house in 1929, and the eighth, the last, was published in 1939.
As for the interpretation of "sim-sim," this is an Arabic word that means nothing more than a sesame plant. There is a version that the author of an oriental tale used the association of the sound of an open cave with the crack of a box with sesame seeds bursting from ripeness.
To understand the meaning of "sim-sim", you should turn to another option for writing the studied token.
French option
It should be noted that in the French version of the tale, the spell in question sounds somewhat differently - "Sesame, open!". But the meanings of “sim-sim” and “sesame” are completely the same. The second word is the common name for sesame in Western European languages. In accordance with the plot of the tale, Ali Baba’s brother, after dropping into the cave, cannot leave it; he confuses sesame with the names of seeds of other plants.
The author of this translation is Antoine Gallan. He was a French orientalist, antiquarian, translator of the 17-18 centuries. He became famous for being the first in Europe to translate the book "A Thousand and One Nights." His life was closely connected with the east. He served as personal secretary and librarian of the Marquis of Nuantel, who was appointed French Ambassador to Istanbul at the court of Mehmet IV. He traveled to many eastern countries, studied Arabic, Turkish, Persian.
Upon his return, he became an antique dealer to King Louis XIV. Until the very end of his life, among other things, he was engaged in translations of oriental tales. The first edition of Thousand and One Nights, published in 1704, was a great success. For a long time, Gallan's translation was taken as a model. Throughout the 18th century, it became widespread in most European countries, was recognized in the East and became the material for many imitations and parodies. It should be noted that the version of Gallan is the most famous version of the tale of Ali Baba and the robbers.
Continuing the consideration of the meaning of “sim-sim,” it is worth mentioning the sesame plant, with which the studied word is directly related.
The relationship of sesame with wealth
The seeds of this plant have been known since ancient times. They are mentioned in the writings of Avicenna - a medieval Persian scholar, philosopher and doctor (10-11 centuries). Spices were of great importance in cooking and in the medical field.
The boxes in which the seeds of this oilseed crop ripen, having reached the condition, open, emitting a characteristic crackle. According to the author of the tale, the door leading to the treasured dungeon with untold riches accumulated by robbers over the years, came off with a similar sound.
Sesamun indicum, or Indian sesame, is the scientific name of the plant. Therefore, the robbers cast a spell: "Sesame, open (or close)." This option is used in French (as mentioned above), as well as in German, English translations.
In the east, the name sesame was used as "sim-sim." It is in the countries located there that the described culture was very popular. Its useful properties were first discovered by ancient oriental scientists. Therefore, according to researchers, the choice of this “magic” plant as the “key” to wealth was not accidental. They note that a similar motive for using the magic words “Sim, open!” That gives access to the inside of the mountain is widespread among many peoples.
Early feudal state
In conclusion, it is necessary to say about one more meaning of “sim-sim”.
In the territory of Chechnya in the 14-15 centuries there was a state formation or historical region called Simsir (in the Ichkeria region). Her other name is Simsim. Mention of it is available in two sources. One of them refers to the beginning, and the other to the middle of the 15th century.
The records are related to the campaign of Tamerlane to the Golden Horde, carried out in the late 14th century. Some modern scholars believe that Simsim (Simsir) is an early feudal pan-Chechen state. They draw an analogy of the name of this state (possibly a principality) with the settlement located in Chechnya - Simsir.