| For centuries, Hookah smoking has been looked upon | | | | obvious through operation of the pipe. Taste and smell |
| as an art form that's been passed down from | | | | are satisfied through smoking, and the audible |
| generation to generation throughout the Middle East. | | | | component is found in the gurgling water. Such a |
| These water pipes were quite common during the 17th | | | | combination is nothing short of pleasing and relaxing to |
| century, frequently found in coffee shops along the | | | | the masses that gather around the world to partake in |
| narrow streets of the region. Since this time, the | | | | Hookah smoking. |
| Hookah Pipe, also known as a Narghile or Narghila, | | | | What did they Smoke in Hookah Pipes? |
| Shisha or Sheesha, Water-Pipe and/or a Hubbly | | | | Shisha (also referred to as Tombac, Gouza, Moassel |
| Bubbly (all depending on your location on the globe), | | | | or Sheesha) was and still is the premier choice of |
| has inspired many great discussions. Such topics | | | | Hookah smokers around the globe. This special blend |
| included politics, religion and everyday common events | | | | of dark Shisha leaves, fruit pulp, molasses or honey, |
| as the pipe was set in the center of a gathered group | | | | and glycerin contains only 0.5% nicotine and no tar. |
| and the attached hose is passed from smoker to | | | | Shisha flavors have grown to include some interesting |
| smoker, all while partaking in some interesting | | | | blends like Banana Split, Cherry Cola, Double Apple, |
| conversation and sharing some all-around good times. | | | | and Pina Colada. Classic favorites like melon, Mango, |
| It's believed that the very first Hookah Pipe design was | | | | French Vanilla and Tropical Pine will always have a |
| crafted out of a coconut shell in either India or Persia, | | | | loyal following. Many Hookah smokers will occasionally |
| and then quickly spread through the rest of the Arab | | | | opt to add ice, fruit juice, milk, or even wine to the |
| world. But it was in Turkey that the Hookah was given | | | | water in the glass base to alter the texture, taste or |
| some finishing touches and found its final form, not | | | | effect of the smoke. |
| really changing at all in the 350+ years since. When the | | | | Recent years have seen a growing demand for |
| 20th century arrived, the Hookah Pipe was such a | | | | Hookah Pipes in the US, as a new restaurant at the |
| fashion icon that upper-class Turkish women were | | | | MGM Grand in Las Vegas features a Hookah smoking |
| photographed with their pipe, making it a significant | | | | lounge for gamblers who simply want a break. Both |
| status symbol in the process. Western artists captured | | | | coasts have seen an increase in demand for Hookah |
| the Hookah essence by adding its exotic image in their | | | | Pipes, as clusters of hookah smokers can now be |
| Oriental paintings. | | | | seen in Chicago and South Beach nightclubs, as well |
| The Hookah uses all five senses. First, it's visually | | | | as outdoor California coastal cafes. |
| appealing as a collectable piece of art. Touch is | | | | |