October 26th, 2007
The first hookahs probably come from India which is also where the term “hookah” come from. The initial hookahs were very simple. They were usually of a coconut shell and a tube leading through one hole in the nut shell. Opium and hashish were primarily meant to be the filling for these hookahs. Later, hookah served for smoking of pure wet tobacco. Burning charcoals used to be put directly on the tobacco (no foil or metal grid were used).
Hookahs gained their contemporary shape about 500 ago in Turkey. A hose and a vase were added. Hookahs spread gradually to Lebanon and Syria where another famous term for it comes from – a narghile. Once it got on African continent (Egypt, Morocco), the last of the three most famous terms for smoking water pipe emerged – a shisha. Already 300 years ago hookahs were a favourite attraction in Turkish “coffee rooms”. In many Arabian countries, hookahs have been designated for men’s society only.Wider penetration of hookahs to American and European markets occurred considerably later, about 50 years ago. Present hookahs look like the Turkish models 500 years ago more or less. The range of fillings has been considerably widened though; thus a plenty of tobacco brands and flavours are available these days.
We can classify hookahs according several parameters. Probably the most common parameter is the height of the hookahs. Most of the web stores thus offer categories such as “small hookahs”, “medium hookahs”, “large hookahs”, and/or “extra large hookahs” (one complete range of hookahs according to this criterion can be found on www.hookahsworld.com). Logically, the higher the hookah is, the higher the price is. However, we always have to consider the materials used, quality of processing, originality of design etc. High quality and original hookah then may cost similar price like some ordinary pipe from XXL category. It’s an incorrect superstition that extra tall hookahs (over 100 cm) must be a lot more unstable than small ones during smoking. The contrary is truth in fact. Very big hookahs are usually more stable due to bigger weight and wider bottom of the glass base. For additional increase in stability, some manufacturers produce glass bases with extra wide bottom in order to prevent the hookah from toppling (you can discuss this issue in hookah forum). In fact, small hookahs topple more likely as they are usually very light and their hoses are generally short so the smoking from them must be more careful.
We can also classify hookahs according to the country of their origin. Variety of products makes every market more interesting. Each country with proper hookah tradition produces slightly different types of hookahs nowadays. Experienced smokers, tea lounge owners or business men can immediately tell whether a hookah come from Egypt, Turkey, India, Syria, or China etc. In Europe the Egyptian hookahs are probably the most popular type. On the contrary, for example Chinese hookahs are very rare here.
Posted in Hookahs | Tags: hookah, hookah smoking, shisha | No Comments »
October 9th, 2007
A windcover is a very handy piece of hookah equipment providing you handle it right. It’s usually made of steel or aluminium (sometimes with plastic handle) in order to resist high temperatures from burning charcoals.
Surprisingly, a significant ratio of hookah beginners does not have a clue about the purpose of a windcover which is mainly to keep the air around a burning hagar warmer. It’s also a priceless friend when you smoke outside in a windy weather. Additionally, when put on the metal tray under the hagar it protects charcoals placed on the tray. Thus, wind does not make them burn faster and their quality for good smoking experience is secured for longer time. There is, however, no serious need to use a windcover when you smoke in a room and have sufficient supplies of fresh charcoals. With a big hagar (bowl that can contain 15 or more grams of tobacco) the use of a windcover can lead to extremely high temperatures in the hagar and premature drying of the tobacco which has not been burn by smoking yet. As for the size of the windcover, it is completely irrelevant if you have a small hookah and a big windcover put on it. It just must fit around the hagar to protect it and lay down fully on the metal tray.
There is one more potential advantage of a windcover – its possible protective ability. When you smoke and your hookah falls there is a certain probability that the burning charcoals on the hagar will end up in the windcover instead of your brand new carpet…
Posted in Accessories | Tags: hookah smoking, windcover | 1 Comment »
September 27th, 2007
This article should clarify the differences between small and large hookahs and should correct some myths spread about small hookahs. My friends and also other people often ask me which hookah is the best and which one I would recommend them. Personally, I think the answer cannot be that straightforward.
Small hookahs have several advantages. They’re very compact; their little size makes them easily portable wherever you go. They’re also obviously more affordable in terms of money. However, the smoking experience from such a hookah does not reach the top quality. The glass vase can take only small amount of water which does not chill the smoke as much as proper big glass vase. On the contrary, for often and easy travelling big robust hookahs are not particularly suitable.
We can also recommend little hookahs to beginners. With such a shisha they can properly learn prepare and handle a hookah. After certain experience, every hookah adorer does recognize that the time has come to upgrade the equipment and purchase a new and likely bigger hookah for better smoking experience.
To make the current small hookahs owner calm we should say in the end that with a proper preparation, choice of good charcoals and sensitive tobacco mix, the smoking experience even from a small hookah can be a real pleasure.
Posted in Hookahs | Tags: hookah | No Comments »
July 3rd, 2007
1.The bowl
Also known as the head of the hookah, the bowl is a container, usually made out of clay or marble, that holds the tobacco during the smoking session.
2.Hose
The hose is a slender tube that allows the smoke to be drawn.
3.Body, 4.Gasket, 5.Valve
The body of the hookah is a hollow tube with a gasket at its bottom. The gasket itself has at least one more opening for the hose. The gasket itself seals the connection of the body of the hookah with the water jar. The gasket may have one more opening with a valve in it for clearing the smoke from the water jar not via the hose.
6.Water jar
Placed at the bottom of the hookah, the water jar is a container which the smoke from the tobacco passes through before it reaches the hose. By passing through water, the smoke gains moisture. This makes inhaling the smoke of the hookah easier than a cigarette’s. Also the water jar allegedly functions as a filter for the smoke. The level of the water has to be higher than the lowest point of the body’s tube in order for the smoke to pass through it. Liquids other than water may be added, such as a strong mixture of alcohol and/or fruit juice.
7.The plate
The plate is usually just below the bowl and is used for “dead” coals from previous smoking sessions. It is not vital for the operation of the hookah.
Posted in Hookahs | Tags: hookah, water pipe | No Comments »
July 3rd, 2007
Welcome to My Hookah’s Blog.
MyHookah.org is a site about your lovely hookah. Show us your honey!
In a blog, we will write latest news in hookahs and shisha market. New tobacco, show you new and famous hookahs, water pipes, bongs, etc.
Posted in Hookahs | Tags: none | 1 Comment »