Hookah-A Traditional Culture of Waterpipe

There are claims that the hookah was invented by an Iranian physician, who raised concerns about tobacco smoking among Indian noblemen. He created the water pipe, believing it would be pure and safer to use. The hookah gained popularity throughout the country and was a symbol of prestige.

But the water pipe looked very different than it does today. In India, the first hookah was made from a coconut shell and tube, nothing like the vases we have now. In Turkey, the design became much more elaborate and started the style of hookah we use today. It became a part of social gatherings found primarily in Turkish coffee shops.

Despite tobacco and drug use being considered a taboo when the hookah was first conceived, its use became increasingly popular among nobility and subsequently widely accepted.Gradually, burned tobacco has been commonly replaced by vaporizing flavored shisha. Still the original hookah is often used in rural South Asia, which continues to use Tumbak (a pure and coarse form of unflavored tobacco leaves) and smoked by burning it directly with charcoal. While this method delivers a much higher content of tobacco and nicotine, it also imposes more adverse health effects compared to vaporized shisha hookahs.

However in today's time Modern shisha pipe have taken their way. Modern designs exploit modern manufacturing techniques and materials to create a superior product, at least in most aspects. While not as authentic looking when compared to traditional hookah pipes, modern hookah pipes come in all shapes and sizes to suit any shisha smoker's requirements. There are compact, table top modern shisha kits, right through to large, free standing modern shisha kits for a more enjoyable smoking session. In terms of the smoking experience, modern hookahs most closely resemble Egyptian shisha pipes, but with far better consistency. The culmination of superior parts and design generally produces a cooler, smoother draw. We're talking silicone hoses, breathers / purge valves, downstem diffusers, marine grade stainless steel components, plus better seals and joints. That's why a modern shisha pipe will generally cost more than a traditional hookah pipe upfront, but the on-going maintenance costs will be a lot less with a modern hookah pipe.