Hookah pipes are glass based multi-stemmed devices used for smoking tobacco. The glass base contains water which the smoke passes through to be cooled before it is inhaled. They are most often referred to as water pipes. Having originated in India more than 3500 years ago, its tradition has spanned countless countries and cultures around the world resulting in almost as many names. Shisha, Nargile and Arghileh are just a few.
Originally designed to smoke opium and hashish, the first water pipes were primitively made from a coconut shell with a head attached. During the fifteenth century when Indian glass manufacturers began exporting glass to India, the design was changed to wood with a glass base. The glass base was referred to as shisha, a Persian word meaning shishe, which literally translates to glass.
The hookah gained recognition wherever it went and quickly made its way through Arab and Persian countries to land in Turkey some 500 years ago. There it became a one of their oldest and deep-rooted traditions. Its pleasures were enjoyed by both men and women from all walks of life. Mass popularity among more socially elevated people called for a design change, this resulting in the more modern designs today.
Hookah became an integral part of the coffee shop culture; the "in" scene so to speak. It was enjoyed by all walks of life. Servers in these establishments were treated similar to modern day chefs. Great skill was required to prepare the hookah for smoking and to get the moisture and packing just right.
Overwhelming popularity called for rules to be observed when using the hookah to make the experience equally enjoyable to all. The rules of etiquette were born. Following them meant showing respect for the tradition. Among them, it was considered rude to light a cigarette from the hookah coals as it could taint the flavor. Whenever passing the hose, folding the handle so the tip pointed at you was required. Failure to do so was seen as disrespectful.
In ancient times the Nargile was strictly hand made. Thanks to modernization, they are now created in assembly line fashion. Traditional hand -made are still available. A pipe is made up of four pieces; the mouthpiece, the top of the Nargile, the tube and the the body of the pipe which is filled with water. Each piece is produced by a special craftsmen named after the part they produced.
If you are a novice to hookah pipes and are interested in buying your own, do a little research and gain some knowledge. Compare traditional and modern designs. Look for the origin where it was made, the material it was made out of, height, and hose options and price.
Traditional water pipes are handmade and distinguishable over modern due to the construction, styling and performance. They are usually made out of heavier metals and combination's of metals. Brass is used at critical points like hose ports and the check valve.
Since modern pipes are mass produced they are usually constructed of cheaper lightweight materials. Most often they are made of threaded screw together components. However, that offers the advantage of being able to unscrew it and put it in a carrying case for transport.
Originally designed to smoke opium and hashish, the first water pipes were primitively made from a coconut shell with a head attached. During the fifteenth century when Indian glass manufacturers began exporting glass to India, the design was changed to wood with a glass base. The glass base was referred to as shisha, a Persian word meaning shishe, which literally translates to glass.
The hookah gained recognition wherever it went and quickly made its way through Arab and Persian countries to land in Turkey some 500 years ago. There it became a one of their oldest and deep-rooted traditions. Its pleasures were enjoyed by both men and women from all walks of life. Mass popularity among more socially elevated people called for a design change, this resulting in the more modern designs today.
Hookah became an integral part of the coffee shop culture; the "in" scene so to speak. It was enjoyed by all walks of life. Servers in these establishments were treated similar to modern day chefs. Great skill was required to prepare the hookah for smoking and to get the moisture and packing just right.
Overwhelming popularity called for rules to be observed when using the hookah to make the experience equally enjoyable to all. The rules of etiquette were born. Following them meant showing respect for the tradition. Among them, it was considered rude to light a cigarette from the hookah coals as it could taint the flavor. Whenever passing the hose, folding the handle so the tip pointed at you was required. Failure to do so was seen as disrespectful.
In ancient times the Nargile was strictly hand made. Thanks to modernization, they are now created in assembly line fashion. Traditional hand -made are still available. A pipe is made up of four pieces; the mouthpiece, the top of the Nargile, the tube and the the body of the pipe which is filled with water. Each piece is produced by a special craftsmen named after the part they produced.
If you are a novice to hookah pipes and are interested in buying your own, do a little research and gain some knowledge. Compare traditional and modern designs. Look for the origin where it was made, the material it was made out of, height, and hose options and price.
Traditional water pipes are handmade and distinguishable over modern due to the construction, styling and performance. They are usually made out of heavier metals and combination's of metals. Brass is used at critical points like hose ports and the check valve.
Since modern pipes are mass produced they are usually constructed of cheaper lightweight materials. Most often they are made of threaded screw together components. However, that offers the advantage of being able to unscrew it and put it in a carrying case for transport.
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