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