Hookah: 400 years of history - tradition or hidden threat?

History of hookah: from antiquity to modern times

Mysteries of Origin

Hookah was created more than 400 years ago, and its history began in India in the 16th century. It is believed that physician Hakim Abdul Fath Gilani decided that filtering smoke through water could reduce the harm from tobacco. This idea was quickly adopted in Persia, where hookah was called "nargile," and then spread throughout the Ottoman Empire.

Eastern Status Symbol

In Turkish coffee houses, hookah became an integral attribute of communication. Philosophers, poets, and nobility smoked it while discussing important matters under clouds of aromatic smoke. It was in the Ottoman Empire where it acquired the appearance we know today: with a long pipe, glass flask, and coals on a metal bowl.

Journey to the West

From the Arab world, the hookah tradition migrated to Europe, where in the 19th century it was smoked by members of high society. In the 20th century, it regained popularity, becoming an accessible entertainment in restaurants, bars, and clubs worldwide.

Hookah Today

Modern hookahs are a combination of tradition and technology. New models are becoming more compact, safer, and offer hundreds of flavor combinations. However, despite the aesthetic pleasure, hookah remains a tobacco product, and its impact on health should not be underestimated.

Conclusion

Hookah has evolved from a medical experiment to a stylish leisure attribute. It remains part of world culture, uniting people in friendly conversations, but it's important to remember: even the most aromatic smoke is never harmless.