Negative Stereotypes of Hookahs History

The History of Hookah begins in the north western provinces of India along the border of Pakistan nearly a thousand years ago. These Hookahs were extremely rudimentary mainly made out of a coconut shell and a tube. In fact Hookah derives from the Persian word ‘nargile’ which means coconut. They were designed to smoke opium, and hashish. The hookah made its way through the Persian Kingdom, much of Middle Asia and Arab parts of North.

Hookah bars are social places where many people get together to discuss politics and local events. The History of Hookah as a device designed for smoking opium and hashish has created a negative stigma amongst some people in society. The hookah has been growing in popularity in the United States since the experimentation of the sixties. Now they are in college dorm rooms and Middle Eastern market all over the United States. That History of Hookah in the United States has not helped the way that society looks at the hookah. Slowly society is accepting the hookah as more of a pipe for tobacco instead of illegal drugs. Smoking Hookah is an experience that is enjoyable, that creates a relaxed environment for discussion and commodore in a world that has gotten to busy to sit down and enjoy the pleasures of each other’s company.

Nargile – A Turkish Waterpipe

The first type of Hookah created by India was made of a coconut shells. It had gotten its name by the term Nargile, which in the Iranian spoken language means coconut. As time progressed, the coconut base was then transferred over to being produced by glass and other raw materials like clay. In Turkey, the craftsman began to design the most detailed Nargile to exhibit their artistic ability to other countries. They began to create the most types of Turkish Waterpipes that were ever created. The craftsman primarily made all the Nargile by hand and the following practices are even done today.

The Nargile is composed of 4 parts:

Govde – The body of the waterpipe that was made of glass, porcelain or fine metals. The body was also decorated by fine art.

Lule – The waterpipe bowl of the where the tobacco was sprinkled on. The tobacco used was primarily imported from Iran. Prior to using the tobacco, it had to be washed several times and then used.

Marpuc – The tube of the waterpipe that carried smoke from the Lule to the Aoyzlyk once smoke was inhaled. It typically decorated by bead and/or fine stitching.

Aoyzlyk – The mouthpiece of the waterpipe made of amber.