Hookah pipes, otherwise known as a Nargile, Arghileh, and Shisha, are most commonly referred to as a water pipes. By definition, it is a single or multi-stemmed instrument with a glass base used for smoking tobacco. The smoke is cooled by water. Its origin can be traced back to India.

Originally designed to smoke opium and hashish, the first water pipes were primitively made from a coconut shell with a head attached. During the fifteenth century when Indian glass manufacturers began exporting glass to India, the design was changed to wood with a glass base. The glass base was referred to as shisha, a Persian word meaning shishe, which literally translates to glass.

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.

Popularity became so intense that etiquette rules were developed for usage. Here are just a few. It was considered rude to light a cigarette from the hookah coals and could possibly taint the flavor. Whenever passing the hose, fold the handle so the tip is pointing at you. Failing to do so, will be seen as a sign of disrespect and hostility. Do not bogart (keep to yourself) the hose when talking; pass it to another.

In ancient times the Nargile was strictly hand made. Thanks to modernization, they are now created in assembly line fashion. Traditional hand -made are still available. A pipe is made up of four pieces; the mouthpiece, the top of the Nargile, the tube and the the body of the pipe which is filled with water. Each piece is produced by a special craftsmen named after the part they produced.

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

Traditional water pipes are handmade and distinguishable over modern due to the construction, styling and performance. They are usually made out of heavier metals and combination\’s of metals. Brass is used at critical points like hose ports and the check valve.

Modern water pipes are generally manufactured in China by US based companies and are cranked out in assembly line fashion. They are constructed with lighter weight materials and have no weld lines. They are commonly comprised of threaded screw together components which conveniently, unscrew as well to fit inside a carrying case.

Author Bio: Hand made smoking accessories are a specialty of many hemp culture shops. Check out your local shop to see the range of vaporizers and smoking pipes available.

Category: Society
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