Sunday, 22 May 2011

Hookah Pipes Through The Centuries

By Adriana Noton


Hookah pipes are glass based multi-stemmed devices used for smoking tobacco. The glass base contains water which the smoke passes through to be cooled before it is inhaled. They are most often referred to as water pipes. Having originated in India more than 3500 years ago, its tradition has spanned countless countries and cultures around the world resulting in almost as many names. Shisha, Nargile and Arghileh are just a few.

The first water pipe was made from a coconut shell and was used to smoke opium and hashish.Sometime during the 15th century, glass manufacturers began exporting glass to India and the door was opened to a new look for the hookah. It was now made of wood with a glass base.

Working its way first through the Arab and Persian countries, the Argile landed in Turkey about 500 years ago. Smoking the Nargile is one of oldest traditions in Turkey. It brought great pleasure to both men and women alike. An overwhelming surge in popularity among intellectuals and the upper crust inspired a design change. The result is what we have today.

Hookah coffee shops were all the rage. A bar waiter at this type of shop was treated like a modern day chef because of the great skill used to prepare for smoking. Getting the packing and moisture right was a skill and it was considered rude to touch the coals. Today, these types of coffee shops are social places where people go to discuss politics and social events. In countries like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, hookah bars are a men only scene. Some Muslim countries believe that hookah is completely forbidden.

Overwhelming popularity called for rules to be observed when using the hookah to make the experience equally enjoyable to all. The rules of etiquette were born. Following them meant showing respect for the tradition. Among them, it was considered rude to light a cigarette from the hookah coals as it could taint the flavor. Whenever passing the hose, folding the handle so the tip pointed at you was required. Failure to do so was seen as disrespectful.

Water pipes of the past were only manufactured by hand. Each pipe is constructed of four basic pieces. Each piece is made by a craftsmen skilled in making only that piece. Those four pieces are the mouthpiece, the top of the Nargile, the tube, and the body that gets filled with water. Today, this can all be done in the blink of an eye on an assembly line.

When purchasing, especially if you are a novice, take into consideration the origin of the hookah pipes, construction materials, height, hose options and price. A comparison between modern and traditional may help you decide.

The construction, styling and performance of a traditional handmade pipe far outweighs that of one mass produced on an assembly line. The materials used to make it are usually a heavier metal or a combination of metals. The hose port or ports and check valve are generally brass.

Since modern pipes are mass produced they are usually constructed of cheaper lightweight materials. Most often they are made of threaded screw together components. However, that offers the advantage of being able to unscrew it and put it in a carrying case for transport.




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