A hookah, also known as a water pipe or water pipe, is an instrument used to vaporize and smoke flavored tobacco, the smoke of which passes through a container of water before reaching the mouth. Although it is popular around the world today, the history of the hookah takes us back to the distant past.
The hookah originated in northern India, or rather in present-day Iran, which was then part of the Persian Empire. Initially, it was quite primitive, made of coconut, and was used for smoking opium and hashish. Later, wealthy Persians decided to redesign the hookah to give it its current form, adapting it for smoking these psychoactive substances. Although the history of the hookah is not completely clear, it is believed that it was invented by Irfan Shaikh.
Through Iran, the hookah spread to the Arab countries, where it underwent further evolution, and its final form was acquired in Turkey. The Turks brought the hookah to the Balkans during their conquests, where it remained deeply rooted in the tradition of shisha smoking, and today it is present in many cultures around the world, including North and South America, Egypt, Australia, Southeast Asia, Tanzania, and South Africa.
The tobacco, called shisha, must be moist in order to produce vapor. Although it is called tobacco, it is actually cellulose that is enriched with various flavors. Most often, these are fruit flavors, but they can also be tobacco. Depending on the type, the tobacco may or may not contain nicotine. The vapor that is produced passes through a long tube that is connected to a glass container filled with water at the bottom of the hookah. After the smoke cools through the water, it comes out of the hose, which users inhale. Some even enrich the water with rose essential oil, while over time alternative methods have developed such as using wine, vodka or milk instead of water.
Hookah bars are being established around the world, operating as cafes or nightclubs, with hookahs on every table. Due to their unique shape and rich decorations, hookahs are also popular as decorative pieces in Western homes. In the Middle East, hookah is deeply rooted in everyday culture, often smoked as a dessert after a meal, as a means of relaxation, or simply as a pleasant way to refresh oneself.
The aromatic smoke from a hookah can be drawn for up to two hours, which is why it is said that hookah is not smoked, but enjoyed. Although the smoke is usually pleasant and mild, it is important to note that the "pop" of a hookah is different from classic cigarette smoking - the smoke is usually not drawn into the lungs, especially towards the end of the smoke when the molasses has almost completely burned off.
Given its rich history and cultural significance, the hookah is not only a smoking tool, but also a symbol of social connection and enjoyment of social moments. The hookah is therefore more than just an instrument – it is part of a rich cultural heritage that has survived through the centuries and continues to spread throughout the world today.