Have you ever researched the history of hookah? Do you know when and during which period hookah was discovered and invented? Who were the first people to use hookah? There are numerous articles and resources available in the history of hookah, each referring to the specific period. In this article, we intend to talk about the emergence of hookah and its purposes.
What is hookah?
Hookah is a specialized device composed of various components and parts. It is commonly used for smoking tobacco. In fact, hookah can be classified in terms of functionality alongside the pipe and tobacco. First, the tobacco, which can be produced in various patterns, is prepared. This tobacco is fully heated to produce the necessary smoke. Then, the tobacco is placed in the top part of the hookah, and the smoke is drawn into the body through a hose with the help of inhalation.
The main method of operation is that individuals, by breathing through the hose-like tube of the hookah, create bubbles in the water, and as a result, they draw the smoke into their mouth. The Middle East, Southeast Asian communities, Britain, and North Africa are among the largest consumers of hookah in the world. It can be said that the use of hookah is more prevalent among teenagers in these regions than in other parts of the world. But let's delve into the history of hookah and its origins.
History of hookah
The precise history of hookah, also known as Huqqa, Narguile or Shisha in different region, is not clearly established. It is not known exactly when hookah was first used for inhaling smoke. However, what has been mentioned in various books is that Akbar the Great (the Mughal emperor of India) had a physician named Abu'l-Fath Gilani at his court, who discovered hookah for the first time.
This physician passed tobacco smoke through a vessel containing water to cool and purify it. In this way, hookah has been recognized as an Indo-Persian invention worldwide. But the official consumption and smoking of hookah are coming from the time of Shah Tahmasb I.
After this period, the use of hookah became more prevalent during the Qajar era. However, if we delve into history and conduct studies in this area, we will discover that during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, smoking hookah was officially banned. In this regard, protests arose, and people broke their hookahs and set fire to the tobacco and cigarette warehouses.
The first recorded use of hookah
As mentioned before, there is no exact time recorded for the beginning of hookah use. However, what emerges from various sources is that Reza Abbasi, a famous painter in the court of Shah Abbas I of Safavid, depicted the first form and image of a hookah in a painting called "Nashmi Kamandar."
Despite the passage of many years from the era of ancient kings, the use of hookah is still prevalent among Iranian men and women. Many traditional restaurants and old coffeehouses still serve their guests with hookah.
Components of a Hookah
In the past, hookahs had a very simple design. However, over time, these devices have undergone changes and are now available in a wide variety in the market. Hookahs can be used at home, during travels, in traditional restaurants, and the other occasions. Each of these hookahs has its own unique features. Generally, hookahs used at home are larger and heavier in terms of dimensions and weight. On the other hand, hookahs intended for travel purposes are smaller in size, allowing for easy portability. Hookahs have a specific structure, and the list of hookah components is as follows:
• Wind cover
• Stem
• Hookah Bowl
• Hose
• Diffuser
• Base
Introduction to Different Types of Hookahs
Based on their appearance, the materials used in their construction, dimensions, size, and many other factors, hookahs can be divided into various categories. Let's explore a few examples of the types of hookahs available in the market.
Wooden Hookahs:
As the name suggests, these hookahs are primarily made of wood. They are often further divided into different groups. Due to the use of high-quality wood and intricate craftsmanship on the body of the hookah, these products are among the more expensive types available. Wooden hookahs are also used as decorative items.
Crystal Hookahs:
These hookahs are also known as glass hookahs. They are made of borosilicate glass or crystal. Glass hookahs come in a variety of designs and colors, offering a wide range of options to choose from. They are available in different models and price ranges.
Brass Hookahs:
Brass or bronze hookahs are among the most popular and unique types available in the market. They feature elegant and distinctive designs, which is the reason that they are considered valuable and relatively expensive.
Arabic Hookahs:
As the name suggests, these hookahs are produced and manufactured in Arab countries. By looking at their appearance, you can notice the differences between Arabic hookahs and Iranian-made ones. Arabic hookahs are typically dual-stemmed and come with a built-in ice chamber.
Electronic Hookahs:
Another type of hookah available in the market is the electronic hookah, which serves the same purpose as traditional hookahs. However, they differ significantly in terms of appearance and design compared to other types. Electronic hookahs are equipped with rechargeable elements that, when heated, produce smoke.
