In South Africa, it’s known as hubbly bubbly. But, if you’re in India, the term is hookah. If you’re in Turkey, the word is nargile. What do all these words mean? They all refer to the water pipe that is used to smoke fruit-flavored tobacco, or tobacco blended with molasses. Each of these blends smell very pleasant, which makes hookah smoking so appealing.
Water pipes have existed for many hundreds of years, especially in the Middle East and many parts of Asia. It’s only recently that they have become popular in the Western world. So popular, in fact, that hookah bars and lounges are becoming as familiar a site as any coffee shop.
The terminology of speaking hookah can be a bit confusing because same term can mean different things. The Middle Eastern countries refer to the water pipe itself as shisha and moassel is the term for the tobacco. But, in the West, the water pipe is called the hookah and the tobacco is called shisha.
No matter where you go in the world today, you’ll see a variety of styles of water pipes. Some are simple, and some have exquisite craftsmanship. Some have chrome accents, whereas some are made of sterling silver. Although you’ll know it’s a water pipe, the one you see in Israel will be made differently from the one you’ll see in Iran.
The basic hookah pipe has at least four essential components. The base, or smoke chamber, is filled halfway with water. Then there’s the bowl, which holds the flavored tobacco and hookah coals. The pipe connects the bowl to the base, and dips into the water. Finally, the hose connects to a tube in the pipe that doesn’t dip into the water, from which you inhale the smoke.
In many countries, especially in the Middle East, smoking hookah is not only a tradition, it’s part of their culture. In India, however, it’s more a matter of prestige. And in the West, it’s mostly a social occassion.
Each country has their own special etiquette for smoking from water pipes. When you’re traveling, be sure you understand their culture before smoking with others. For example, lay down the hookah hose on the table, rather than passing it to the next person. And, if you’re in the Middle East, the left hand is deemed to be unclean, so be sure not to use it. And if you smoke a cigarette, do not use the water pipe to light it or to dispose of your ashes.
You can travel to just about any country in the world and enjoy the pleasures of hookah smoking. Between all the hookah pipes and hookah shisha that are available, you’ll be able to enjoy a new experience each time you partake.