Anyone who has ever been on vacation to a country like Egypt has undoubtedly seen (or tried) it: the hookah. This product, steeped in tradition, is considered by many to be the perfect social accessory. Lighting up a hookah with some friends is sure to make for a fun-filled evening. But what exactly is a hookah, and which ones do we have on offer for you? Read on to find out!
The hookah: more than just smoking!
The hookah, also known as Shisha, is simply a way to smoke flavored tobacco through a water pipe, where the hose is often shared with friends and family. The tradition of hookah smoking isn’t just about the smoking itself; it’s about having good conversations and fostering a sense of connection among those gathered.
It is therefore no surprise that puffing on a shisha pipe is a deeply rooted cultural tradition that has existed for generations among Persian, Turkish, Egyptian, and other peoples of the Middle East. It is more than just an entertaining social activity or a means of relaxation; it is a way for families, relatives, friends, and business partners in these cultures to offer hospitality and strengthen their bonds with one another.
History of the Hookah
The first hookah in the form we know today dates back to 16th-century India, during a time when Indian glass production was booming. During this period, smoking tobacco also became popular among the nobility in high society. In an effort to purify smoke by passing it through water in a glass base called a “shisha,” the hookah was invented. For the nobility, the hookah quickly became a way to demonstrate their high social status.
In the 17th century, the hookah became part of Persian culture, where strong, dark tobacco leaves called Ajami were used. Artisans took pride in its aesthetics and redefined the pipe’s appearance through woodworking. For the first time, hookah became accessible to everyone, and an industry of hookah services emerged. Even the Shah, the former Persian king, had his own servants dedicated to hookah smoking at the time.
Eventually, shisha migrated into Turkish culture and continued to flourish in the 18th century through further innovation and improved pipes. The water pipe’s traditional appearance was enhanced when blacksmiths began casting intricate copper designs and decorating the pipe with royal and religious motifs. The hookah was prominent in Ottoman high society and was a true status symbol. It was smoked after royal dinners and during diplomatic meetings. Offering a hookah to a guest was an important sign of trust, and withholding it could be taken as a serious insult.
Perfect for smoking cannabis
Today, the hookah has hardly strayed from tradition, as it is still revered as a way to show respect and offer hospitality just as it was a hundred years ago. Family members, close friends, and new acquaintances gather and strengthen their bonds over a hookah, just as they have for generations. But in 2019, it’s more than that: a hookah can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere—it’s fun, tasty, and they even come with multiple hoses—so you and your friends can all take a puff at the same time!
Hookah is part of a vast community that brings people together regardless of social class, religion, or political beliefs. Although advancements have been made in hookah over the years, the practice remains deeply rooted in tradition. These days, by the way, it’s not just flavored tobacco that’s smoked through a hookah; hash and cannabis are also popular substances placed in the hookah to get properly stoned with friends.
Interested? Then take a look at our headshop for everything related to hookahs, shisha, cannabis, hash, and much more!
