Hookah

Hookah

A large hookah setup.

A hookah, also known as a waterpipe, narghile, shisha, or hubble-bubble, is a single or multi-stemmed instrument for vaporizing and smoking flavored tobacco, or sometimes cannabis or opium, whose vapor or smoke is passed through a water basin—often glass-based—before inhalation. The origin of the hookah is from the Indian subcontinent and it has gained popularity, especially in the Middle East and North Africa.

History

The hookah's origins are traced back to the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal Empire. It is believed that the first hookah was invented by a physician named Hakim Abul Fath in India. The hookah was initially used to smoke opium and hashish, but later became popular for smoking tobacco.

Gaddi village men with hookah, on mountain path, 1980.

The use of hookah spread to Persia, where it became known as "qalyan", and then to the Ottoman Empire, where it was called "nargile". The hookah became a symbol of status and prestige, often used in social gatherings and by the elite.

Design and Function

A hookah consists of several parts: the bowl, the body, the water base, the hose, and the mouthpiece. The bowl holds the tobacco and is usually made of clay or ceramic. The body is a vertical tube that connects the bowl to the water base. The water base cools and filters the smoke. The hose is used to draw the smoke from the water base to the mouthpiece.

I'tisam-ud-Din, an 18th-century Bengali diplomat, with a hookah.

The tobacco used in hookahs is often mixed with molasses or honey and flavored with fruit, mint, or other flavors. Charcoal is placed on top of the tobacco to heat it and produce smoke.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, the hookah is a symbol of hospitality and community. It is often used in social settings, such as cafes and lounges, where people gather to relax and converse. In some regions, the hookah is also used in religious and ceremonial contexts.

A bamboo hookah at Khagrachori.

Health Effects

While some believe that the water in the hookah filters out harmful substances, studies have shown that hookah smoke contains many of the same toxicants as cigarette smoke, including carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and carcinogens. Hookah smoking can lead to addiction and has been associated with various health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Modern Usage

Today, hookah smoking is popular among young adults and is often seen as a trendy social activity. Hookah bars and lounges have become common in many cities around the world, offering a variety of flavored tobaccos and a relaxed atmosphere.

A traditional hookah in Nepal.

Related Pages

• Tobacco smoking
• Water pipe smoking
• Cultural history of smoking

Tobacco smoking using a hookah.

Gallery

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  A Rajput man with a hookah.

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  A close-up of Jahangir's hookah at the National Museum of India.