Hookah, commonly known as Shisha or Nargeela, is a hobby that spans across the globe. It originated in the subcontinent in the 16th century and later became popular across the globe. Nowadays, hookah is used as a source of entertainment by youngsters and elders and is a widely accepted nightlife attraction. It has undergone a fascinating transformation, which we will uncover in detail in this blog post.
Hookah: Origin and Early Use
It first originated in the subcontinent in the 16th century at the time of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The Mughals were rich and wealthy people who smoked and considered it as a sign of superiority and class. They were fond of tobacco and wanted to use it in a new style.
Initially, the original hookah design was very different. It was used in coconut shells. But later, with the influence of the East India Company, glass was introduced, and thus, it was incorporated into hookah’s new design. Akbar’s Persian physician, Hakeem Abdul Fatteh Gillani, was the first person to introduce hookah. He then used glass as a transformative material to make the hookah experience more soothing and satisfying. At that time, smoking hookah was considered a status symbol and was extremely popular in the subcontinent.
Cultural Significance
With the passage of time, hookah culture became popular in other parts of the world. It became prominent in the Middle East as well. It was considered as a symbol of social status and refinement. Persians and Turkish started using hookah in their gatherings as well. It became common in their societies, where they discussed politics and philosophy and in gatherings where they had intellectual and artistic circles.
Later in the 17th century, the hookah culture spread over to Europe and gained a wider audience. People started using hookah to become part of a specific social group. They considered it as a luxury item and were greatly influenced by its use. The hookah device was also considered an artistic piece. In art and literature, the device was often used to show sophistication and leisure.
Innovation and Evolution
In earlier days, the hookah was made of brass, copper, and silver. It was designed intricately by the blacksmith. At that time, hookahs were smoked after dinner and at parties to show trust towards the guests. Modern innovations greatly transformed its appearance. Modern hookahs were built with stainless steel, aluminum, and acrylic materials.
Traditional hookahs comprise a single hose, but modern hookahs have multiple hoses to accommodate many people at a time. The new hookahs were beautifully designed and made available in different shapes and sizes. The new hookahs were made available in sleek and minimalist designs following colourful and diverse tastes and preferences.
The hookah culture spread throughout Persia, India, the Middle East, and Turkey, and by the 20th century, it had been incorporated into daily life activities. Nowadays, hookah culture is very common in the USA and Canada. These are some of the biggest importers of hookah and sell a variety of hookah accessories. This is a 500-year-old practice that is widely spreading across the globe.
In recent years, hookah culture has surged among young adults and in urban areas. Shisha lounges and hookah bars are common party points for young adults. It is a place where people enjoy flavoured hookahs in a relaxing environment. These places offer hookahs in different flavours, including apple and mint and a blend of fruit cocktails and chocolate.
The growing popularity of hookahs is causing its massive expansion in different parts of the world. There are three reasons for such drastic expansions. Firstly, it is considered a source of relaxation and leisure time. Secondly, it is available in different flavours that cater to the different needs of the customers. Thirdly, there is a growing interest in the hookah culture in the Middle East and North Africa. This indicates a further growth of the hookah culture.
Important Considerations
Despite the social acceptance of hookah culture, it is important to note that smoking hookah is injurious to health. It is an act of smoking which greatly impacts the smoker’s health. Despite the water filtration system, hookah smoke contains toxins and chemicals. The smoking side effects are similar to those of cigarettes, resulting in respiratory and cardiac issues. If you want to avoid these health complications, it is essential to make sure that the hookah stand is well-cleaned and well-maintained.
The Future of Hookah Culture
As far as our observation is concerned, we think that hookah culture will continue to grow. The hookah's style and design will vary with time. More flavours, scents, and lounges will emerge with the passage of time. This culture is not only common among young adults but also among adults and elders. It is available in different forms and sizes. There are no specifications to consume hookah. It is expanding all across the globe. In the end, it can be concluded that hookah culture carries immense cultural and traditional significance in major areas of the world. It is a statement of style and status, and it will not diminish over time. It has transcended beyond borders.
If you are interested in buying hookah stands, you can visit our website and order your favourite today. At Mr. Shisha Inc. we sell different types of hookahs to all across Canada. We sell hookahs in titanium and aluminum bodies. We also have a wide range of accessories listed on our website to accommodate all shisha lovers. If you are interested in knowing more about our products you can visit our online store and get more insight on each type of product.