Hookah | Shisha History

The Intriguing Shisha History

What Is Hookah?

A hookah is a water pipe that is used to smoke sweetened and flavored tobacco. Other names for hookah are narghile, argileh, shisha, hubble-bubble, and Goza. The pipe is usually quite large and consists of a water chamber, a tobacco chamber, and one or more flexible tubes stemming from it that allow multiple smokers to inhale at the same time.

Hookah tobacco is often sweetened with molasses, fruit pulp, or honey, with additional flavor added like coconut, fruit flavors, mint, or coffee. These flavorings sweeten the taste and aroma of the tobacco, making it especially appealing to young people.

A few countries lay claim to the creation of this elegant pastime, but the consensus is that the water pipe originated in the North Western regions of India around 500 years ago. Invented by the physician Hakim Abul-Fath Gilani, who apparently wanted to find a “healthier” refinement to smoking believing that the tobacco would be purified if it passed through water before being inhaled.

In the 17th century, as the water pipe made its way through Persia and into Turkey, its shape and components started to develop and resemble the shisha as we know and love today. The Ottomans developed a larger and more sophisticated pipe, replacing the wooden base with glass and added a clay bowl above the head.

From Turkey, water pipe smoking migrated south into the Arab world to Lebanon and Syria where it became known as nargile. Then spreading further to Egypt and Morocco where it was called Shisha (the Persian word for glass)

Over the centuries shisha has steadily made its way to the rest of the world, famously becoming part of mainstream western culture in 1865 when Lewis Carroll wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

It remains unclear when flavours were introduced to the shisha smoking experience, but we believe this chapter is only just beginning. There are many flavours still to be tried and we will be sure to share them with you as we continue on our own journey to discover the best of them.

Modern hookah

Instead of brass, copper and low quality materials, manufacturers increasingly use stainless steel, aluminum, Silicon rubber, compounds are used for hookah hoses instead of lather and wire. New materials make modern hookahs more durable, eliminate odors while smoking and allow washing without risks of corrosion or bacterial decay. New technologies and modern design trends are changing the appearance of hookahs.

Despite the obvious benefits of modern hookahs, because of high production cost and lack of modern equipment in traditional hookah manufacturing regions, most hookahs are still produced with older technologies.

How the Hookah Works

The tobacco chamber in a hookah consists of a bowl containing burning charcoal that is placed on top of the flavored tobacco. Charcoal is separated from tobacco by perforated aluminum foil.

As the charcoal heats the tobacco below, smoke is created. When users draw on the stem (hose) of the hookah, the smoke is pulled through the water chamber, cooling it before being inhaled into the lungs.

The hookah is the most important piece of your future hookah session and you're at the right place for the best price on a high quality pipe. If you're looking for the "first hookah" or your sixth, we've got you covered with multiple hookah categories below. Our amazing selection of hookah pipes and hookah packages come from a variety of well respected vendors in places all around the world.

We provide the most up to date collection of hookahs from brands like Khalil Mamoon, Shika Hookahs, Mya Saray, and Starbuzz. The Hookah-Shisha selection also includes glass hookahs, multi-hose hookahs.

Origins of Shisha

Shisha, often known as hookah, has a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. It originated in India during the 15th century, where it was first introduced by the Mughal emperors. They designed the hookah to filter smoke through water, bringing a smoother and more enjoyable experience. As word of this innovative smoking method spread, the shisha journey continued, reaching Persia and eventually, the Middle East, where it was embraced by various cultures. Through these adaptations, shisha became more than just a smoking device; it evolved into a social ritual.

Spread Across Cultures

Over the centuries, shisha traveled far beyond its Indian roots, captivating people from different parts of the world. It gained immense popularity in Iran and later, in the Ottoman Empire. The hookah transformed into a symbol of hospitality and social gatherings, where friends and family would come together to enjoy the enticing flavors of flavored tobacco. Additionally, the introduction of modern styles and designs further enhanced its status, making it a fashionable item among the youth. Hence, shisha not only tells a story of smoking but of cultural exchange and adaptation.

Modern Shisha Experience

In contemporary times, shisha has crossed borders and become a global phenomenon. Today, hookah lounges and bars can be found in major cities worldwide, offering a relaxed atmosphere for patrons. However, the essence of shisha remains rooted in its history. Various flavors, innovative designs, and enhanced smoking techniques have emerged, but the social aspect continues to play a significant role in its popularity. Because of this blend of tradition and modernity, shisha has secured its place in modern social culture, making it a quintessential experience for many.