A Brief History of Hookah Pipes

For centuries, Hookah smoking has been looked upon as an art form that's been passed down from generation to generation throughout the Middle East. These water pipes were quite common during the 17th century, frequently found in coffee shops along the narrow streets of the region. Since this time, the Hookah Pipe, also known as a Narghile or Narghila, Shisha or Sheesha, Water-Pipe and/or a Hubbly Bubbly (all depending on your location on the globe), has inspired many great discussions. Such topics included politics, religion and everyday common events as the pipe was set in the center of a gathered group and the attached hose is passed from smoker to smoker, all while partaking in some interesting conversation and sharing some all-around good times.

It's believed that the very first Hookah Pipe design was crafted out of a coconut shell in either India or Persia, and then quickly spread through the rest of the Arab world. But it was in Turkey that the Hookah was given some finishing touches and found its final form, not really changing at all in the 350+ years since. When the 20th century arrived, the Hookah Pipe was such a fashion icon that upper-class Turkish women were photographed with their pipe, making it a significant status symbol in the process. Western artists captured the Hookah essence by adding its exotic image in their Oriental paintings.

The Hookah uses all five senses. First, it's visually appealing as a collectable piece of art. Touch is obvious through operation of the pipe. Taste and smell are satisfied through smoking, and the audible component is found in the gurgling water. Such a combination is nothing short of pleasing and relaxing to the masses that gather around the world to partake in Hookah smoking.

What did they Smoke in Hookah Pipes?

Shisha (also referred to as Tombac, Gouza, Moassel or Sheesha) was and still is the premier choice of Hookah smokers around the globe. This special blend of dark Shisha leaves, fruit pulp, molasses or honey, and glycerin contains only 0.5% nicotine and no tar. Shisha flavors have grown to include some interesting blends like Banana Split, Cherry Cola, Double Apple, and Pina Colada. Classic favorites like melon, Mango, French Vanilla and Tropical Pine will always have a loyal following. Many Hookah smokers will occasionally opt to add ice, fruit juice, milk, or even wine to the water in the glass base to alter the texture, taste or effect of the smoke.

Recent years have seen a growing demand for Hookah Pipes in the US, as a new restaurant at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas features a Hookah smoking lounge for gamblers who simply want a break. Both coasts have seen an increase in demand for Hookah Pipes, as clusters of hookah smokers can now be seen in Chicago and South Beach nightclubs, as well as outdoor California coastal cafes.

Hookahs Coming of Age in America

A hookah is an elaborate and extravagant water pipe. At its barest, a hookah consists of a base, stem, hose and clay bowl. A hookah is used to smoke Shisha: flavored tobacco mixed with molasses. After securing the stem into the base as well as the hose and clay bowl into place, shisha is packed into the clay bowl with a lit coal atop it, the hose is then used to pull and taste the flavorful shisha.

The water pipe (hookah) idea originated in India. But not fully developed, then it was only made of coconut shells. When the concept of hookah was fully developed it branched off to Iran, where it then spread fast throughout the entire Arabian region. Finally reaching Turkey, the hookah took off like a wild fire. There, the Nargila (as they call it) became one of the oldest and deeply rooted traditions in Turkey, hitting its highest point of popularity during the time of Murat II.

It was found fashionable for upper class women of the 19th and early 20th century to smoke hookah, many even had themselves photographed with it. Hookah was used as a social activity, much like alcohol or food in other cultures; hookah was their social environment creator and enhancer. With time, however, Hookah became less popular as cigarettes and cigars became more accommodating.

Now as the evils of cigarettes are more apparent, the hookah is becoming more and more popular due to its complete lack of tar, water filtration and several other suspected health advantages over cigarettes. Today hookah is smoked in groups usually no less than 2 at hookah bars, lounges, at home, or even on the beach. The recent popularity has caught on like a wild fire to the college community. Students find the social environmental advantages of hookah to be more attractive than alcohol or cigarettes previously favored advantages, with fewer disadvantages e.g. hangover, harsh cigarette smoke.

With the increase in demand, hookahs which aside for the 70's had never infiltrated the American culture now had to be supplied not only to immigrants from Middle Eastern countries but to Americans as well. Over 300 hookah bars have opened up in the past 5 years in the United States.

Different Hookahs What To Expect

With all the hookah choices available today, it's hard to tell exactly what you're getting. Sure pictures are nice, but does that really tell you what you want to know? Lucky for you, here's a bit of information to help you decide.

Egyptian hookahs are the traditional sort, the kind you'll see in the authentic hookah bars. They're usually tall, around three feet, elaborate, and offer an exceptional smoke. They're nice pieces to have around the house, but they're not too easy to move around, so if portability is a concern, you might want to consider other options.

Then there are Lebanese hookahs, ornate pieces that are usually hand-crafted set these apart from most. Shiny, yet elegant, they are a definite conversation starter. They have all the tassles you'd expect, and bases wrapped in decorational metal work, often with jewels adoring the bass. You can also expect colored inlay in the stem.

Modern hookahs are a culmination of old-world style and new-world convenience. With portability as a key factor in most, they will fit your on-the-go lifestyle. On the upper end of the modern spectrum, you'll find larger hookahs, some rotating, with snazzy, and often space-aged looking stems and bases. They're not as common at cafes, but for use at home, they're a definite contender.

Turkish hookahs are a breed of their own, ranging from very small to extravagantly large. They come in all shapes, as well, from simple and down to earth, to elaborate and absolutely breath-taking. They're a group hookah, many coming with two or more hoses, so it makes sharing easy. You're likely to see these nowhere else than in the comfort of your own living room.

Syrian hookahs are arguable one of the best. Seemly and wee-crafted, they offer smoke that is almost incomparable. They're strong, stylish, and best of all, quite uncommon, which makes them a crowd-pleaser. The attention to detail is astounding, and so is the pleasure you get from using them.

Last but not least comes the Bohemian variety, which are on the larger side, but very well-constructed. They, more often than not, featuring an interesting threading system, with the stem literally screwing on to the stem. Not only does this make them far more stable, but also guarantees virtually no leakage, so you're getting all the smoke you want. They have a certain charm to them, making them unobtrusive yet savvy all at the same time.

So next time your shopping, see where these hookahs come from. Think about what's important to you in a hookah, and read this article. A little attention to detail saves a frustrating experience later on.

The Best Hookah You'll Ever Have

People have gone to great lengths to make the ultimate hookah, but it's really no further than your local market. Pick up some juice, apple, grape, fruit punch, any mix you want or can think of. While you're there, pick up some produce to, a small melon, an orange, lemon, lime, apple, orany of the softer, smaller fruits will do. You might as well pick up some ice, too, while you're at it, unless, of course, you have an ice maker at the house.

Now unpack your hookah, pack the bowl, or if you're feeling particularly industrious, carve the apple from the middle out into a cone, leaving the outside and the skin intact. Instead of using the porcelain bowl, use the apple. Just sprinkle some tobacco in it and proceed as normal, foil, coals, etcetera. Next, empty the juice you bought into the case to the point where you'd normally fill it with water. If you think it might be too strong, you can dilute it to desired strength. For those of legal drinking age, you can put cheap liquor in the base for an added buzz, but beware, it is intoxicating, so make sure you're not driving.

Slice up your fruit, drop a couple of pieces in the base, and throw some ice in there as well. Now assemble it, light it up, and prepare to be impressed, though, just as a forewarning, it may take a few sessions to get it just right.

Some of our favorite combinations are V8 Pina Colada with coconut shisha (think tropical), fruit cocktail with fruit punch and a slice of orange, grape with grape or apple or both and a slice of lime or lemon, and last but not least, V8 Pina Colada mixed with rum and coconut shisha.

Hookahs? What Is The Allure?

Any public hookah smoker knows the price you pay for smoking a waterpipe at Starbucks. While many restaurants and cafes are slowly coming around and allowing hookah smokers to smoke their hookahs on their porches and dining patios, one problem still exist. That problem is the few, the unintelligent, and the ignorant.

Sure, hookahs resemble devices used in the 1970's for marijuana consumption but they are by no means a "bong". Yet despite their artistic evolution, continual quality enhancements, and overall westernization, the inevitable ignoramus is bound to come up to the relaxing hookah smoker and say "Hey, I had one of those in college."

As amusing as the comment is the first time, then the second time, thereafter it becomes insulting rhetoric. Followed by the statement of the ignoramus, you are then inclined to express your innocence by declaring the hookah's sole purpose as being for tobacco use only. In fact, according to a survey conducted by my company, 99.7% of anonymous hookah smokers surveyed online stated they never use their hookah for anything other than smoking shisha (hookah tobacco).

After explaining such things to the self amusing hookah crasher, the question that always comes next is, "Your not smoking pot? Then what's the point? What does this shisha do to you?"

What's the point? When asked this question it is strongly advised that you refrain from your initial instinct of using your lighter or hookah hose aggressively and instead, reason with the uneducated creature.

Hookah smokers are a different smoking bread than what is commonly expected. The average hookah smoker generally prefers intellectual conversations and mild social scenes rather than the ever noise producing clubs. But don't think you are smoking among angels. Hookahs are also great additions to the night life. The allure of the hookah is its smooth smoke producing and social benefit. Aside from a stray ignoramus, most people that walk up to you while hookah smoking in public areas are generally compatible to your personality which is great for meeting new people.

Hookahs offer a small unseen private club much like that which is experienced by avid cigar smokers. As you show off your apparatuses in public, you will slowly attract a network of hookah smokers that can enhance your overall experience in owning a hookah. And that is the allure of hookah smoking.

Hookah Its All In The Heat

Hookah smokers will often sit around and talk about the greatest shisha (hookah tobacco) flavors and brands that exist. Then, they will move onto hookah sizes and styles from large to small, cheap to unaffordable, colors, hoses, and more. Yet, the most frequently overlooked piece of the hookah smoking experience is in fact what makes the whole thing work. The coal.

Once you sprinkle your shisha/hookah tobacco into your bowl and wrap a nice layer of aluminum foil around it, you will then place this important item on top. This item known as "the coal" will transfer its heat down through the tobacco which will ultimately fill the base with smoke and end up (momentarily) in your lungs. However, its not that simple.

Several types of coal exist in the growing hookah market and a beginner may find it difficult to select the best flame. The most common is the self lighting coals made by Three Kings. They are convenient since you can light one up with a Zippo, in the wind, possibly while its raining. However, the same chemicals that make it a quick lighting coal also add (often unwanted) flavors to your hookah smoking experience. Thus you exchange taste for convenience.

The next option is the lemon wood or olive wood based "logs" of coal. Often times referred to as "natural" coal, these tend to burn cleaner thus eliminating excessive coal flavors. They will not light with a portable flame unless you happen to keep a porto-torch in your glove compartment. Generally, you will require a stove top and a short waiting period. The end result could be well worth it since you won't be tasting the chemicals of the self lighting coals.

Finally, there is the "charcoal bricks" which are often referred to as "Egyptian coal". These charcoal bricks are also lemon wood and they resemble random shapes that appear as though you could barbeque with them. They have a long heating period on an average electric stove so you might want to get out that propane camp stove to fire up these coals. The smell of the coals cooking can overwhelm the pleasant smells of your house, so you might want to think twice before cooking coals in your kitchen. Despite their dominant heating odors, these coals provide the most flavorless heat source available in the hookah coal market. The charcoal bricks are often large and also burn quickly so don't clutter your bowl.

Whichever hookah coals you smoke should ultimately depend on your preference and situation. If you are a natural coal smoker at home, it never hurts to keep a box of quick lighting coals around for those last minute trips to the beach.

Hookah Authentic Egyptian or Chinese Impostor?

Egypt has long been known in the Middle East as the best place to get a hookah and hookah accessories. The land of the pharaohs, pyramids, and sphinx is also the Motherland of the shisha (the Egyptian word for hookah). Egyptian artisans still make hookahs the old-fashioned way -- by hand and with a great deal of pride in craftsmanship. Making hookahs is still a family tradition, and the best hookah makers in Egypt have earned their spots through the continuity of traditional techniques. Glass bases are still made from hand blown colored glass, and artists still decorate them by hand using paint, glitter, decals, or etching. Hoses are made entirely by hand, from the cutting of the fabric to the turning of the wood that will become the handles to the addition of decorative elements such as braid, fringe, or fur. Shafts may be made of metals like stainless steel, brass, or chrome plated brass, but those metals are formed by the hands of master craftsmen, put together by skilled welders, and sometimes etched or decorated by artisans. Potters still use a potting wheel to make the clay bowls that we call the "head." In short, every part of a genuine Egyptian hookah is crafted by hand using traditional techniques which results in a one-of-a-kind product every time. Egyptian hookahs are so admired and respected throughout the Middle East that you'd be hard pressed to find a pipe in another Middle Eastern country that does not have some part that was made in Egypt!

When the hookah craze hit the United States, the cultural icon of the Middle East fell prey to the assembly line mentality. It didn't take long for the hookah to be added to the list of counterfeit products being mass produced in China for export to the American market. Because neither the owners of manufacturing plants or assembly line workers in China have a cultural stake or identity associated with the product, the hookahs that they produce involve no artistry. The glass bases are molded and then spray painted; the glass itself is not colored. Any designs on the glass are likewise spray painted on by machines. Machine made plastic hoses with plastic or simulated wood ends have no decorative elements on them. Machines mold shafts made from tin, aluminum, or a combination of those metals with stainless steel; sometimes, machines spray paint them in a color to match the glass. Porcelain, a material for which the Chinese are famous, has replaced the traditional clay bowl made from the rich clay of the banks of the Nile River. Cold, computerized Chinese machines have replaced the intimate touch of the Egyptian craftsmen whose work is a source of pride.

Because Egyptian hookahs set the industry standard, it has become common for sellers to falsely label their Chinese look-alikes as "authentic Egyptian" pipes. Many shoppers have been taken in by a misleading description coupled with a low price and think that they are buying a genuine Egyptian hookah when, in reality, they get an imposter. Don't be duped! Look for the identifying characteristics listed below to determine if the hookah you are considering buying is the real deal.

Characteristics of an Authentic Egyptian Hookah

• Authentic Egyptian hookahs are still handmade using centuries old traditional methods. Crafted by the hands of people who have a cultural stake and identity in their product, every aspect of the authentic Egyptian hookah involves artistry and craftsmanship.
• The base of an authentic Egyptian hookah is hand blown colored glass that comes in a variety of shapes and colors with hand painted designs. The most telling aspect of an authentic Egyptian base is its characteristic bands of genuine 18K gold or platinum paint.
• Egyptian hoses are handcrafted using traditional methods and materials; they vary in style, color, and decorative elements.
• Shafts are hand formed stainless steel, brass, or chrome plated brass in various heights, number of hose holders, designs, and decorative elements. Egyptian shafts are never made of aluminum or spray painted in a color to match the glass base!
• An authentic Egyptian hookah is always sold with the same number of hoses that the shaft will hold. If you're buying a 2-hose hookah, you get 2 hoses!
• Anyone who sells authentic Egyptian hookahs will have replacement parts available. Glass bases break and hoses should be replaced every few months for the sake of hygiene, so it is important to have access to individual parts for your hookah.

Characteristics of the Chinese Imposter Hookah

• The Chinese imposter hookahs are mass produced in factories by machines and people who have no cultural connection to the product. The hookahs all look the same, just as one would expect from anything made on an assembly line.
• Chinese bases are made of molded glass or acrylic that is spray painted with material that washes off with normal cleaning. Designs, if any, are identical with no variation in pattern or style because machines are preset to make them look a certain way.
• Chinese hoses are made of plastic with plastic or simulated wood ends with no decorative elements. Sometimes the hoses are called "pleather," a marketing trick to make plastic sound better. Hoses are marketed as "washable." No hookah hose is truly washable because inside each one is a wire coil around which the hose fabric is wrapped. Running water through the hose only speeds up the deterioration process of that wire coil! There is no such thing as a washable hookah hose!
• Shafts produced in China are machine made of tin, aluminum, or a combination of those metals blended with stainless steel or chrome. They are often spray painted to match the color of the glass. A hookah with a shaft that matches the color of the glass is not Egyptian! The shafts of Chinese hookahs are made of inferior metals that do not stand up to normal wear and tear. Egyptian hookahs, on the other hand, are made of strong and durable metals that can withstand time and usage.
• Because sellers typically do not have replacement parts or accessories, they sell the Chinese hookahs straight from the box. This means that multiple hose hookahs are often sold with only one hose. If you're buying a 2-hose hookah, chances are that you will get only 1 hose!
• To make them more appealing to the American consumer, Chinese manufactured hookahs are often sold with a hard shell carrying case. What a great way to hide an inferior product!
• With the recent recall of various products manufactured in China, buyers need to be especially wary of hookahs made in and imported from China because they are painted!

To truly appreciate the cultural significance of the hookah and get the most of out of the hookah experience, you must have the real thing! While the price of some of the Chinese imports may look attractive, please keep in mind that this is definitely a case of getting what you pay for. A product that cannot stand up to the usage for which it was made is no longer a bargain when it has to be replaced over and over again. Buy an authentic Egyptian hookah and support the artisans and craftsmen who, in a world dominated by machine made goods, continue to make hookahs the way they and their families have for centuries.

How to Get a Good Deal When You Buy A Hookah

The first hookah I ever bought I got from one of the mediterranean shops you can find in most cities. It cost me $59.95. I thought I got a great deal.

You can imagine my surprise when I found the same hookah (in a different color) on eBay a couple of weeks later for $12.00. I wasn't so much surprised as mad. It's easy to pay way too much when you aren't familiar with hookahs. It makes it easier to overspend if you are buying on emotion and there aren't many places in your town that have hookahs for sale.

Later, I found out that most of these shops get their hookahs from sellers on eBay because the price just CANNOT be beat. After getting reamed on my first hookah purchase, I've only bought hookahs and hookah accesories over ebay. And, although it takes a couple of days to get it, the money saved is WELL worth it.

Since I consider myself quite a master of buying hookahs on ebay, I've created a guide for all of you out there to find a good hookah for yourself on ebay.

When looking for a hookah, make sure to look for these traits:

1. Less than $10 for Buy It Now (No waiting around and bidding for days)

2. Have photos of the actual hookah

3. Are reputable sellers

4. Includes everything you need: Hoses, grates, clay tops, and the product isn't used or defective.

So with that, I send you out to go and get your own hookah. Make sure to follow the rules and tips outlined here and you'll be just fine.

Hookah: A Smoking New Trend Among College Students

For centuries, Eastern cultures have embraced this simple, yet curious device known as the hookah. Though the designs and materials have changed through the years, the hookah's social function is still intact. Too few things exist that are able to bring people - sometimes complete strangers - together in such an intimate fashion. Struggling for a place in the United States and European countries, the hookah has found its place in college and university towns.

Hookahs have seemingly always had a place in Eastern cultures. The hookah has, however, only recently begun to grab footing in the United States and European countries. Less than 10 years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find a hookah bar or cafe outside of the cultural areas of larger cities. These days, if you survey the land around large university campuses, you will find a strange, new type of business cropping up. Though some offer exotic coffees and others offer alcoholic beverages, hookah cafes and bars are giving today's college students a much-needed place to unwind after a day full of studies. Drawn by curiosity, students find themselves in a world of sheer imagination that is truly unique among the countless hangouts that abound around colleges and universities.

Hookahs were created to solve a problem among tobacco smokers. When heated, tobacco creates a smoke that, without cooling, is harsh and nearly unbearable. The hookah introduced a simple, yet novel way to cool the hot, harsh smoke. When a smoker inhales, the smoke first travels through water and is cooled before it ever reaches the smoker's mouth. This smooth experience is quite different from smoking cigarettes or cigars and is almost always commented upon by first-time hookah smokers.

In addition to being a cooler smoke, the tobaccos used in hookahs are generally flavored. These flavors range from fruits like apples and oranges, to modern-day flavors like bubble gum and cola. It's this flavored smoke that has really made hookahs the preferred smoke among college students.

Look around a hookah bar or cafe and you will see tightly-huddled masses sitting around a dozen or so hookahs, talking about everything from this week's exams to next year's newest cars. This simple device has an extraordinary power to bring together people of all backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. It knows no boundaries and performs its social function with relative ease.

Business owners recognize the power of college towns. They provide businesses with a constant flow of fresh customers from semester to semester. New students arrive and seasoned students bring the new students to the cafes and bars. It's a process that repeats itself over and over again.

So, if you're looking for a new, fresh place to meet new friends, go on a hunt for your local hookah establishment. You'll be glad you did!

How to Price your Hookah

It's hard to tell exactly what to sell your hookahs for, and with a growing market, you want to stay competitive, yet still turn a profit. You are running a business, after all.

A little bit of research never hurt anyone, so if you found this, you're obviously looking. Chances are, you're selling more Junior hookahs (the small 17 inch variety) than you can keep on hand. That's great! But what are you selling them for? If the answer is anything less than $40, then you're charging too little. Anything less than that and you're practically giving them away (which might explain you never having enough on hand). If you're a negotiator at heart, then that is good news. It gives you a good starting point for negotiation. This is especially useful in flea markets and bazaars, where bargaining skills are a must.

So now you've got a $40 base for the small ones. The more elaborate Egyptian hookahs can be sold comfortably for around $80, but this is really no more than a starting point. The basic Egyptian pieces can be very simple, or amazingly ornate, so we're topping the price game at about $120 for the very elaborate ones.

The less common Bohemian hookahs can go for a good start of $120. These too are just as varied as the Egyptian ones, but as you may have seen, even the simplest of the Bohemian hookahs out shadow the best of the Egyptian ones, not just in terms of looks but overall smoke quality as well. That's what justifies the price tag, so you're looking at an upper limit of about $180.

The final, most common retail hookah, although none too common at all, are the beastly hookahs. We're not talking your every day, run of the mill hookah. We mean the giant, sometimes 6 foot or more hookahs, with as many as 12 hoses. These are really more of a novelty, since the likelihood of selling one is slim, other than to someone who has to have the best there is to offer, or someone who's opening a store with one as the center, and so, the likelihood of ever having smoked one is even less. But, if you want to sell one, the skies the limit, with an average price tag of AT LEAST $500, sometimes even going as high of $1500.

So now you've got an idea, but if all else fails, look at your competitors, charge the most you can while undercutting them, offer freebies. Consumers like freebies, like tobacco, coals, and shipping.

How to Make Hookah Taste Better

Congratulations! You've got a hookah, and I'm sure you're asking yourself, "What the heck am I going to do with this?" Well, rest easy, because here are some tips and tricks that are sure to keep all of your friends impressed with you new-found hookah serving ability.

For the twenty-one and up crowd, you can experiment with different types of liquors in the base, in varying strengths. For instance, rum with coconut shisha (hookah tobacco) is always a crowd-pleaser for the tropically minded. Peach Schnapps with banana shisha makes the best fruit smoothie ever. (Always exercise caution when smoking hookah with alcohol as you should limit the time you inhale alcohol. Before trying this, you may want to consult with your physician.)

But it doesn't just end at liquor! Ever tried orange juice? Apple juice? Mixed fruit juice? They all add a myriad of flavors to the tobacco. V8 Splash is also an all-around crowd pleaser. Pour it in the base. Notice how much thicker it is than water? Good! Thicker fluids make thicker, more flavorful smoke.

Try dropping some ice in the base, or even refrigerating the hose (yes, you read that right). The cooler the temperature, the cooler the smoke, the easier it goes down.

You can even use a hollowed out apple in place of the bowl. Hollow out an apple, leaving a taper towards the bottom. Place it on top of the stem and sprinkle the tobacco in. The tobacco should be layered in a circle around the inner wall of the apple. To do this, you will need a quality tobacco like Havana Moassel or Al-Fakher. Cover with foil, and place the coal on top as usual, and that's it! Mixing it with the other servings suggestions is a sure-fired way to flavor up your night!

Buying a Hookah

Since the culture of hookah shisha is one of relaxation, it's best to approach the process of hookah buying with patience. Research the subject, become familiar with the best materials and products, consider the aesthetics--what pleases most and will most enhance the smoking experience for you? Quality, beauty, and price are the broad parameters to consider when you set out to buy hookahs.

While it's a good idea to have checked out any local retail outlets where hookahs are available, and to have tried various hookah pipes at a lounge, your best bet in meeting the above criteria is probably going to be buying online. There's simply a much broader range of hookahs available online, without the markup a brick-and-mortar store is forced to charge.

For the hookah body, also called the vase, or govde, Pyrex glass or ceramic, or some other non-porous, tempered material, are the best. Avoid wood or copper. Bases come in sizes from small to large and a multihued array of colors and designs. Stems will generally be stainless steel or another solid metal, fluted and, again, in a range of heights. Hoses also come in a variety of styles and lengths. The tobacco bowl should be ceramic, clay, or metal. You can get a hookah with one hose fitting or multiple hose fittings. There are a number of sites where you can build your own hookah from a selection of parts, and others where you can order custom hookahs. There is a wide selection of high quality hookahs available ready-made, however.

Egyptian hookahs generally have hand-blown glass bases in jewel and opal-toned colors, while Syrian hookahs have exquisitely ornamented ceramic or glass bases. Beyond these traditional styles there are a plethora of modern interpretations, animal shaped hookahs, mod hookahs, mini hookahs, traveling hookahs complete with carrying case, and rotating hookahs. Prices range from about $35 for a mini, quality, single-hose hookah, with a mid-range for medium hookahs at $60 to $100, and from about $115 to $135 or more for a large hookah. For a custom hookah, you can spend from around $225 for crystal to as much as $1,000 for a hookah made of silver.

Most hookah purchases will come with individual bowl, stem, plate, base, and hose or hoses, in separable parts for ease of cleaning, and will include tongs for coals, screens, brushes for cleaning, and instructions. Some will also come with a carrying case and extra rubber stoppers, some hookah tobacco and charcoal.

Wholesale Hookahs

Given the growing popularity of hookah smoking and hookah lounges, wholesale hookahs represent a tremendous value -- if you can get your hands on one (or more). . For someone who is considering starting a retail hookah shop or smoking lounge, or who wants to add variety to an existing restaurant, tobacco shop, or bar, researching the options is among the first necessary steps.

Buying wholesale hookahs doesn't mean buying cheaply made or unattractive product. Hand-blown glass in shimmering colors, elegantly traced in 21 karat gold, crystal, highly glazed ceramics, cloisonné-decorated brass, stainless steel worked into graceful curves, and carved wooden pieces all go into the making of a hookah. Since part of the joy of hookah smoking is the beauty and aesthetic pleasure of the hookah itself, wholesale hookahs come in a variety of lovely designs only surpassed by expensive custom models. In addition, styles range from traditional Egyptian and Syrian to modern and neo-exotic interpretations of the classic hookah, rotating hookahs, and more.

Things to look for in wholesale hookahs are quality of craftsmanship and durability of materials used. Stainless steel, Pyrex glass, and stone or ceramic are the best materials, the ones which can take repeated use while continuing to provide a pleasurable, smoking experience. Some metals, like copper, should be avoided (smoking from copper is actually poisonous). Wholesale hookahs are available in wood and brass and other materials, but these materials will not stand up terribly well to the test of time and use.

The base, or vase, of the hookah, is generally where the most artistic effort is expended, as it sets the tone for the whole piece. Hoses should be durable and include replaceable, disposable mouthpieces for individual smokers; hoses come in a variety of styles, from the basic to those covered in soft velvety fabric in lush colors, with carved and dyed wooden ends. The stem between the body and the tobacco bowl can vary widely in height, and is most often a gracefully wrought stainless steel in today's hookahs. The tobacco bowl will be stone, glazed or unglazed clay, metal, or beautifully colored and shaped Pyrex, and can range in design from simple to ornamental.

Wholesalers will generally require a minimum purchase of $250 to $400, though some will have a higher first-time minimum. Wholesale hookah prices range from $30 to $60 per pipe. A number of accessories must be considered when looking at wholesale hookahs, among them the metal tongs, or pincers, for the hookah charcoal, screens for holding the coal, the hookah charcoal itself, disposable mouthpieces, cleaning brushes, rubber stoppers, and replacement bases, hoses, grommets, and other parts.

Hookah Pipes

The body, or govde, of a hookah pipe consists of a curved vessel which holds water. A graceful stem rises from the body and at the top of the stem is a bowl, or lle, which holds the tobacco. From one to several flexible hoses, the marpuc, with a mouthpiece, or agizlik, at the end, are used to draw the hookah smoke down through the water. The hookah tobacco is heated by charcoal and the water filters and cools the smoke. The water gurgles gently, like a woodland stream, and, in the process, makes the smoke smooth and cool.

The word shisha, which is often another word for hookah, comes from the Persian meaning glass or bottle. Hookahs and the culture of hookah smoking is often referred to as hookah shisha. Somewhat confusingly, at first, people also refer to hookah tobacco as shisha, or hookah shisha--and there is a Shisha brand of hookah shisha!

Hookah pipes today come in many styles, from Egyptian to Syrian, traveling, mini and mod models to specialty and custom designs. There is a world of history in the craftsmanship of hookah pipes. Traditional materials used in making hookahs were blown glass, often highly decorated in gold or enamel painting, brass, aluminum, silver, porcelain, clay, carved stone and wood, and leather. All these same materials are used today, with the addition of stainless steel, Pyrex glass, plastic, rubber, and high quality acrylics, among others.

In restaurants and smoking lounges, individually wrapped, disposable plastic mouthpieces are provided for each smoker. Other accoutrements of the hookah pipe and tobacco include the hookah charcoal and metal tongs. The charcoal is typically in coin-sized pieces and each lasts for about 30 minutes in the slow smoking tobacco mixture.

Certain etiquette applies to the smoking of hookah pipes: the water pipes are meant to be on the ground, rather than on a high table or shelf, with the smokers seated on cushions or low seats around it--though in modern hookah lounges, they often appear on tables. Shared hookah pipes are not supposed to be passed, but rather set down after smoking so that the next smoker can take up the pipe at their leisure

What Exactly is a Hookah?

The hookah has a long and storied history. Also known variously as a hubble-bubble, narghile, shisha, or water pipe, among other names, hookahs have been used for a mellow tobacco smoking experience in Asia and the Middle East for centuries. Coming to the Middle East from India, the hookah started out as a humble coconut shell. In Turkey, it evolved into the true hookah, becoming a mainstay of coffee house life during the 17th century. Hookah smoking is still very common in cafes and restaurants throughout the Middle East.

Many rituals, of preparation, lighting, and smoking etiquette, surround the use of the hookah. People gathered in the coffee houses to smoke together, exchanging news and stories--or simply sharing quiet, meditative time. Recalling a more relaxed and unhurried past, hookahs conjure tales of journeys along the Nile, long nights in exotically scented gardens, the spice of the bazaar, and the sinuous music of the belly dance.

Hookahs were smoked by women gathered for tea, by students engaging in intellectual discussion, men playing games of chance, and simple gatherings of friends for enjoyment and relaxation. Offering a guest a puff at the house hookah, or narghile, was a sign of welcome and hospitality. Rather than a habit of nervousness, as many might classify the cigarette, the hookah is an entry to tranquility and reflection. It is a connection to the past and an oasis of civilized fellowship in the frenetic present.

With such a long history, it's not surprising that the craftsmanship in a hookah approaches the level of art; most hookahs are exquisitely detailed and beautiful. At one time, each part of the hookah was produced by a craftsman specifically trained to produce just that piece. Materials used included silver, crystal, and amber. When you add in the centuries of tradition and ritual in which the hookah is steeped, it's easy to see that this ancient water pipe represents the nexus of a singular and luxuriant experience in smoke and social interaction--and why it's becoming so popular in the West.

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A Guide to Hookah Smoking

The slow and relaxed experience of smoking a hookah, which includes preparation of the hookah and the tobacco, is the whole point of hookah smoking. It's not about a buzz or a nicotine fix, it's about the relaxed space, among friends and out of time, that is created by the hookah and the act of smoking it. Typically, a hookah smoking session lasts somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes.

After carefully preparing a clean hookah with cold water, selecting a flavorful tobacco for the bowl, lighting and adding the charcoal, the aromatic hookah smoke is drawn bubbling through the water. Cooled and softened after being filtered by the water, light, pleasant smoke infuses the senses, lingering on the air, encouraging slow meditative breathing and sweetening conversation, games of dominoes, or quiet contemplation and study.

Some techniques used to enhance the experience of hookah smoking are adding ice to the water and chilling the hoses beforehand. The lush fruit flavors of hookah smoke can be heightened by the addition of fruit juice or wine to the water in the base, and both customers and proprietors of hookah smoking lounges regularly combine tobacco flavors to come up with their own special blends.

Some tips and warnings given by veteran smokers include the following: always use the proper charcoal, specifically made for hookah smoking-regular charcoal briquettes cause carbon monoxide poisoning, and charcoal which isn't low-smoke will overwhelm the hookah smoke; only a very small amount of hookah tobacco is needed in the bowl, since a little goes a long way; if the smoke or flavor are lacking, it's probably because the coals aren't hot enough-when smoking for more than half an hour or so, fresh coals will be needed.

Because hookah smoking is, and has traditionally been, a social activity, the etiquette which attends it is important. Some of the rules of etiquette are never to light cigarettes using the charcoal that heats the hookah tobacco; avoid blowing smoke in the face of another person unless they ask--so they can taste the flavor being smoked; since the point of the individual plastic mouthpiece is health and safety, don't share them; when one person is done smoking but the hookah is still in use, setting a hose directly on the table signifies that smoker is finished and another person may use the hose; when a hookah smoking session is completed, the hoses should be wrapped around the stem; finally, don't smoke anything but tobacco out of a hookah.

Hookah Bars: The Next Big Thing?

You've probably seen a hookah. Most children who grew up in the United States have almost certainly seen a hookah. But, like most people, you've likely forgotten what one looks like and what they're used for. Think back. Recall the tale of a girl named Alice who seemingly stranded in a strange, imaginative world. In Lewis Carroll's story, Alice in Wonderland, Alice stumbles upon an arrogant and inquisitive caterpillar. Perched atop a giant mushroom, and smoking what appears to be a strange musical instrument, the caterpillar asks Alice a quite memorable question-- "Who are YOU?" The musical instrument is not really a musical instrument at all. It is, in fact, a hookah and this hookah-smoking caterpillar is how most children get their first glimpse of this curiously strange smoking device.

When Lewis Carroll wrote the story of Alice in 1865, hookahs had been in existence and in use for several centuries. Though never really popular in European countries, the hookah was and is still very popular in Eastern cultures like Egypt and India. So, how is it that this mysterious thing called hookah has never seen its day in Europe or, in more recent times, the United States? Perhaps the time is upon us!

In the past, cigars have been the 'gourmet smoke' for those wishing to break out of the conventional, cigarette-smoking mold. Crafted from higher-grade tobaccos and hand-rolled in exotic lands, cigars have become a true contender to the additive-infused cigarettes of modern day. Cigars have become so popular, in fact, that they have cropped up an entire industry that is based around their existence. Cigar and specialty tobacco shops are evidence of the profit to be made from selling tobacco in a different form factor than that of the cigarette. In addition to cigar shops, cigar bars have proven that smoking-tailored establishments can be both socially-acceptable and huge profit centers for their owners. It is society's acceptance of the cigar bar that makes hookah bars and hookah cafes a possibility!

There is no doubt that the tobacco industry has seen better days and, from the aftermath of the Big Tobacco lawsuits, it's a wonder that these companies are still around. Did you know that there are over 600 legally-allowed additives that tobacco companies can add to their cigarettes? That's an amazing cocktail of chemicals that cigarette smokers are putting into their bodies every time they choose to light up! In comparison, today's hookah tobacco, commonly referred to as shisha (pronounced: shee-shuh), is comprised only of a handful of natural ingredients. These ingredients are typically tobacco, all-natural glycerin or honey, sugar and natural flavorings. That's 596 additives short of what could be in a normal, run-of-the-pack cigarette! It's facts like these that bring most people to believe that hookah smoking is a less-harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes. Unfortunately, no major study has been performed to evaluate the health effects of smoking hookah. So, we'll have to wait for a definitive answer to that question.

When the Turkish invented the hookah centuries ago, they did so with one goal in mind. Up to that time, tobacco had been smoked in pipes that are reminiscent of American Indian peace pipes. When smoking from these pipes, the smoke was at a temperature very close to the burning tobacco itself. Someone came up with the idea of filtering the smoke through water to cool the smoke to an enjoyable temperature. The simplicity of the hookah made it an instant hit and has been a major reason why hookahs are still prevalent in so many Eastern cultures. Though not originally planned when the hookah was invented, the water that the smoke passes through actually acts as a natural filter that helps filter tar and other impurities created when tobacco is smoked. Many years after the hookah was invented, someone would accidentally drop their tobacco into some molasses, thus paving the way for modern hookah shisha. It was the addition of molasses, now substituted by all-natural glycerin, which slowed the rate at which the tobacco burned and actually made it possible to heat the tobacco rather than burning it. Heating tobacco results in greater flavor potential and lowers the amount of nicotine that is released while smoking.

The hookahs of today, while being modernized and updated, have remained true to their creator's initial goal. Traditionally made of glass and brass, hookahs are now being produced of materials such as acrylic, crystal and steel. Also, the once hand-crafted art has transformed into a full-blown industry that is selling record numbers of hookahs. Hookah shisha has come of age, as well. Production of hookah shisha is at an all-time high and major manufacturers are creating more and more flavors to be consumed by customers worldwide. Flavors include everything from fruity apples and oranges to regional favorites like bubble gum and vanilla. In all, there are more than 50 different flavors to choose from and more are being added all the time. The precise mixture of ingredients has also yielded a tobacco with flavor that lasts longer. In fact, one person can smoke can smoke a bowl of tobacco for nearly an hour without having to change the tobacco.

A small number of entrepreneurs have recognized the potential of the hookah and have begun to open bars and cafes that are specifically-tailored toward the rental and sales of hookahs. In just a short period of time, they've proven that there is some serious money to be made in the hookah service industry for those willing to venture into seemingly unchartered territories. Most surprising is the low initial investment required to open a hookah establishment. For most locations, as little as 10 to 15 hookahs per 1,000 square feet of customer seating area is sufficient and will virtually guarantee that there are enough hookahs to go around. When purchased in larger lots, the cost of each hookah can run anywhere from $20 to $80 dollars and some wholesalers will even provide the hookahs for free if the bar or cafe agrees to purchase their hookah tobacco from the company. Rental fees for hookahs run anywhere from $10 in a hookah cafe to $25 in hookah bars! Of course, the rental plan is entirely up to the business owner and usually includes a single bowl of hookah shisha to smoke. Lower-priced refills of hookah tobacco encourage customers to stick around and socialize in the intimate environment. Most customers do not smoke by themselves, opting instead for groups of 3 to 4 people. This will reduce the longevity of each bowl of tobacco and increase the number of refills purchased by each group.

Before you can begin renting hookahs, you must first check with local, state and federal governments to ensure that you will not be breaking any laws or regulations. For most areas, a tobacco sales tax permit or license is all that is required to begin renting hookahs. Of course, this is supplemental to the typical state sales tax permit or license. You will also need to check local zoning requirements and determine the best location for your bar or cafe. There are a number of wholesalers available to get your cafe or bar up and running in the shortest amount of time possible. It is recommended that you opt for customer service and support over pennies saved, as it is often difficult to find companies that are in-tune with the American way of doing business.

In addition to hookahs, you will need to choose between a bar or cafe concept. Cafes are generally easier to open and require a minimal amount of additional capital. The largest expenditure will be the espresso machine and this will run anywhere from $2,000 to $14,000 depending upon the brand, model and, if used, the age of the machine. If you plan the cafe route, it is recommended that you pick up a copy of "Start and Run a Coffee Bar" (Matzen & Harrison, Self Counsel Press 2002). Although not hookah-oriented, it's filled with the ins-and-outs of running a cafe and what is required to operate all of the various cafe machines. If you want to open a hookah bar that serves alcoholic beverages, it is definitely recommended that you open near a college or university campus. This will give you a steady flow of new, fresh bodies that will save your bar from going stale with the locals. The hookah bar concept, when coupled with college towns, has proven to be the most successful and profitable hookah business ventures. There are, of course, caveats to opening a bar of any type. You will have to cut through significantly more 'red tape' but the payoff should definitely be worth the time and effort. Hookah bars are one of the fastest growing concepts for college towns and offer a fresh, new environment for 20-somethings to hang out.

As you can see, hookahs have edged their way into the European and American lifestyle. The cigar bars of yesteryear have paved the way for a unique opportunity for the entrepreneurs of today. Hookah cafes and hookah bars stand to make millions by providing the public with something that they've been looking for and haven't been able to find in the countless other cafes and bars. Hookahs bring back the social, intimate gatherings of friends that have long been lost to the hustle and bustle of modern life. Oh, and who knows? Your hookah bar or cafe could be the next big thing!

Different Hookahs - What To Expect

With all the hookah choices available today, it's hard to tell exactly what you're getting. Sure pictures are nice, but does that really tell you what you want to know? Lucky for you, here's a bit of information to help you decide.

Egyptian hookahs are the traditional sort, the kind you'll see in the authentic hookah bars. They're usually tall, around three feet, elaborate, and offer an exceptional smoke. They're nice pieces to have around the house, but they're not too easy to move around, so if portability is a concern, you might want to consider other options.

Then there are Lebanese hookahs, ornate pieces that are usually hand-crafted set these apart from most. Shiny, yet elegant, they are a definite conversation starter. They have all the tassles you'd expect, and bases wrapped in decorational metal work, often with jewels adoring the bass. You can also expect colored inlay in the stem.

Modern hookahs are a culmination of old-world style and new-world convenience. With portability as a key factor in most, they will fit your on-the-go lifestyle. On the upper end of the modern spectrum, you'll find larger hookahs, some rotating, with snazzy, and often space-aged looking stems and bases. They're not as common at cafes, but for use at home, they're a definite contender.

Turkish hookahs are a breed of their own, ranging from very small to extravagantly large. They come in all shapes, as well, from simple and down to earth, to elaborate and absolutely breath-taking. They're a group hookah, many coming with two or more hoses, so it makes sharing easy. You're likely to see these nowhere else than in the comfort of your own living room.

Syrian hookahs are arguable one of the best. Seemly and wee-crafted, they offer smoke that is almost incomparable. They're strong, stylish, and best of all, quite uncommon, which makes them a crowd-pleaser. The attention to detail is astounding, and so is the pleasure you get from using them.

Last but not least comes the Bohemian variety, which are on the larger side, but very well-constructed. They, more often than not, featuring an interesting threading system, with the stem literally screwing on to the stem. Not only does this make them far more stable, but also guarantees virtually no leakage, so you're getting all the smoke you want. They have a certain charm to them, making them unobtrusive yet savvy all at the same time.

So next time your shopping, see where these hookahs come from. Think about what's important to you in a hookah, and read this article. A little attention to detail saves a frustrating experience later on.

The Hookah Experience

A hookah is basically a water pipe intended for the smoking of tobacco. It is often made of glass with two or more flexible stems drawing the water cooled smoke from the pipe. It originated in India many centuries ago, and moved from there into the Middle East. Although tobacco was the original substance burned in the hookah, others are also used. Some of these others have been illegal substances such as Cannabis or Opium, and this has tended to give hookahs a bad name in Western Culture. In recent years, the hookah has been making some headway in dispelling this bad reputation. One of the attractions of hookah smoking in the East was the manner in which the activity induced relaxation, and stimulated conversation.

The Online market has allowed hookahs to be purchased in larger numbers, and the merchants generally sell a large variety of flavored and low nicotine tobacco. The nicotine level is furthered reduced by the action of the water inside the pipe, and the result is a smoking experience that is ultimately less expensive and a lot less messy than sharing a couple of Marlboros. If a couple were smokers, it is easy to envision the hookah on the coffee table for a private evening of movies or conservation.

This is exactly the thought of some enterprising businessmen who have begun to open Hookah bars around the country. These would be regular bars with the exception of a hookah in the middle of every table. That large selection of fragrant tobacco would be available for purchase along with your drinks. The hookah smoking would supposedly have a calming effect on the patrons, encourage good talk, and enhance the entertainment. A Hookah Café would be similar except that perhaps food and coffee would be served with the tobacco rather than alcohol. Which ever approach suits you better, a trip to a Hookah smoking establishment would make a novel and very interesting group activity.

Hookah Lounges: An Overview

As prevalent in parts of the Middle East and India as delis or Starbucks are in the United States, with one on every corner, hookah lounges and hookah bars, once quite rare in the West, have lately been seeing a rise in popularity here. From the friendly ambience of many of these establishments to the uniquely relaxed mood of hookah smoking and the kid-in-a-candy store variety of flavorful tobaccos available, hookah lounges and bars have a lot on offer.

Much of this upsurge in popularity is due to college and university populations, who find hookah lounges an attractive way to spend quality time with friends in a sober, but socially easy, environment. Hookah lounges are big with sororities and fraternities, but there are older sets of patrons on the scene as well, and a multiplicity of ethnicities and people from all walks of life can be found in various hookah lounges.

Different hookah bars and lounges offer different things to go with the smoking experience. At some lounges, an older clientele comes to play cards, backgammon, or chess, while pool tables, video games, and big screen TVs are on offer for the younger crowd. Many lounges serve food and drink, from Turkish coffee, spicy chai, and honey-drenched bamieh fritters to foie gras and Moroccan spiced lamb, while hookah bars offer everything from wine and cocktails to package deals--including private booth or lounge, hookah, drinks, and appetizers--which run about $125 for four. Rental prices for hookahs in lounges generally run from $5 to $20 an hour, with tobacco prices from $4 to $9 per bowl. Whatever's on offer, people feel comfortable enough to linger, gathered round the hookah pipe.

Someone on staff--often the proprietor--is always happy to help those new to the experience of hookah smoking and guide them through it. Pipes are generally prepared for the patrons with whatever exotic flavor of tobacco they choose. There's usually a hookah coal carrier, circulating through the lounge with coals and tongs to replenish any waning hookah coals.

Music ranges from jazz to hip hop to tablah-backed Middle Eastern pop music, décor from re-interpretations of a Cairo café to tiki hut to sophisticated bar. Whether the people come to play games, drink cardamom-infused coffee, sip cocktails, or just kick back and relax, hookah lounges and bars offer a unique multicultural take on an age-old tradition.