The origin of Hookah smoking can be dated millennia
back and its initial traces have been found in the North Western
provinces of India alongside the border of Pakistan in the state of
Rajasthan and Gujarat. The Hookahs of the ancient times were very
simple, rugged and archaic in design. The initial Hookahs were crafted
out of a coconut shell base. The Hookah headed for Persian Kingdom and
made its way towards Pakistan, Afghanistan, many parts of Asia and Arab
parts of Northern Africa. To know more about the origin & history of
Hookah smoking, read on…
While on the way to Persia, Hukkah smokers came across a new concept of
Tombeik, which refers to a dark tobacco that is predominantly cultivated
in modern day Iran. Tombeik is washed and packed in the large heads
designed in the old style. Hot coal is then applied to the wet Tombeik
and this lends a strong flavor to the tobacco. These primitive style
heads of Hookah were more popularly known as "ghelune" amongst
the Persians. The Hookahs designed at the time of Persian Empire are
still crafted with hand using pieces of wood.
By the nineteenth century, many women in Persia indulged in Hukkah
smoking considering it to be a great pastime activity. When Hookah found
its way in Turkey, it gained momentum at a very fast pace. It became an
icon of fashion and a symbol of high status. It transformed completely
in terms of its style and design. It became quite complex in designing
and attained its final shape that we find today. New additions were made
like the introduction of brass and glass in the designing of Hukkah
water pipe. To enhance the aesthetic appeal, mosaics and elaborate
paintings were added.
Hookah saw tremendous popularity in its growth in the Turk society. It
went to the extent of finding its way in the bars. The Hookah bar tender
was given the same status as that of a chef, due to the extensive
preparations required in setting the Hookah. The tradition of smoking
Hukkah went a step ahead and headed towards Lebanon and Syria, where it
was named Nargile. Later, it migrated to Egypt and Morocco, where it got
the name Shisha. In Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates., it is
popularly known as Hubble bubble. In the contemporary times, Hookah bars
are seen as a social place, where people discuss on varied issues such
as politics and several local events.
