History of Hookah

One of the oldest and deep rooted traditions in Turkey is the Arguily (or Hookah, Huka, Kooka, Nargile), with both men and women finding great pleasure in smoking the waterpipe. The Arguily started a whole new culture which endured for many, many years. Even today the Arguily gives enjoyment to a special breed of smokers.

The original Arguily came from India, but it was rather primitive as it was made out of coconut shell. Its popularity spread to Iran and then to the rest of the Arab world, especially Lebanon and Syria and became a fashion among the young generations. But it was in Turkey that the Arguily completed its revolution, and did not change its style for the last few hundred years.

The Arguily became a very important part of the coffee shop culture. The joy that the smokers received from this very simple yet beautiful smoking apparatus was unbelievable.

The Arguily itself consists of 4 pieces which are as follows: Hose , bowl (or head) , stem (the tube or shaft) and the vase. All pieces of the pipe were produced by special craftsmen, who were named after the piece they produced.

Today, countries like China and czechoslovakia are producing state of the arts Arguilys which include a fancy carrying box and multicoulored vases and hoses and different stem. Many arab countries are producing it in the masses and exproting it to USA, Canada and Europe.

The secret of enjoying an Arguily/hookah is your choice of Flavoured Tobacco (Shisha or moassal). Choices of shisha flovour is becoming more and more complicated. Manufacturers have produced tobacco from every natural fruit. Most people are sticking to double-apple and they are not inclined to try something else. It is like smoking, once you get hooked to a cigarette brand you never change it. Some makes a change when they are out of stock. The choice of flavour is numerous. I will list what I have come across but not neccessarily tried. Double-apple, apple, lemon, pineapple, apricot, roses, peach, cappuccino, grape, coconut, cola, sweet melon, mixed fruit, mango, honey, cherry, jasmine, caramel, pistachio, coffee, mandarin, orange, mint, vanilla, rasberry, strawberry, honey dew, margarita, pina colada, chocolate mint, liquorice and plum.

Not one single manufacturer make all these flavours. Nakhleh Tobacco which is considered the leading and oldest producer (1913) and distributor of Flavoured Tobacco has the largest variety. Other notable brands are: Layalina, Al-Waha, Pharaoh, Al-Fakher, Al-Baz, Al-Basha, Al-Ouns, and Abd-ElKader.

When you smoke an arguily, you have time to think and reflect. It teaches you patience and tolerance. It gives you an appreciation of a good company and good focus. Arguily smokers have a much more balanced approach to life than cigarette smokers do. The smoke is much cooler than cigarette smoke, and lightly intoxicating.