The history of hookahs is extensive and interesting. Rudimentary hookahs got their origins in the north west part of India almost one thousand years ago. They were simple, primitive and rugged in design. The base was usually made from a coconut shell. Initially they were created to smoke opium and hashish.
Modernization of the Hookah
During the Mughal Reign (1500's), Hakim Abul Fath, a physician, invented a modern version of the hookah. He felt there was a need for a hookah that would promise to be safer to use than the original version. As well as being a physician he was known to have unique knowledge of philosophy, logic and other secular sciences. Hakim Abul Fath believed that smoke should first pass through a “filter”. He devised a small receptacle of water that smoke could pass through, therefore rendering it harmless.
The use of hookahs from ancient times was a custom. This invention transformed a custom into a prestigious pastime. Rich and landed classes were often seen hookah smoking in a hookah bar, cafe or lounge.
On the southwest coast of India in Koyilandy, Yemeni merchants had taken up residence there at around the time Fath improved on the hookah. They expanded on Fath's hookah and blended it with the original coconut shell design. This creation impressed Yemeni traders and soon became known as Koyilandy Hookah. They were ornately designed with attractive motifs. They soon coined it the Malabar Hookah. These are still very popular today in the Gulf countries.
Persian Kingdom
The hookah made its way through the Persian Kingdom. This included Pakistan, Afghanistan, much of Middle Asia and northern Africa. On its journey through Persia (Iran) it acquired tombeik (a dark tobacco) also known as hookah tobacco. Hookahs designed in the Persian Empire were handcrafted from a piece of wood.
When the hookah was introduced in Turkey, there was a surge of popularity among the upper class and intellectuals. They took the design and increased its size and complexity. Designs today are similar to the Turkish hookahs. Brass and glass were added to the design and less wood. Intricate artwork and mosaics were added for elegance and beauty.
The popularity grew into hookah coffee shops about 250 years ago. The hookah bar waiter was treated like a chef due to the preparation required for smoking. Packing the tobacco and ensuring the correct moisture was a skill and it was considered rude to the touch the coals.
Arab Nations
Hookah migrated from Turkey to Lebanon and Syria where it got the name “argile”. It then spread to Egypt and Morocco. There, it took on the name shisha. It is also known as the hubble bubble in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
From there, the hookah made its way to southeast Asia and Europe.
Most hookah smoking nations serve Naklia shisha ( or sheesha ). This is a combination of foreign tobaccos, honey molasses and dried fruit. The smoke is filtered through ice cold water to make the smoke cool and soothing. Older generations smoked hashish and opium which assisted in creating a negative stigma for the hookahs used today.
Social Acceptance
Today, the hookah ( hooka ) is accepted as a form of pipe smoking. It's been growing in popularity and has made its way into almost every country around the world.
Even though this is relatively new in the United States and Canada, various levels of governments there have been quick to act on the health dangers that are associated with this pastime.
Unfortunately many youth have embraced this ancient art of smoking and have become addicted to the multitude of tobacco flavors available.
The hookah has encompassed the globe and will be a part of daily life for thousands of people around the world for centuries to come.
Further Reading:
Hookah Smoking: A Growing Trend
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