Hookah smoking is an historic tradition that has been cherished around the globe, making it a popular and common practice in various countries. However, not many have a clear understanding of its fascinating cultural and historical roots. While some are fine not probing its origin, we at Amy Deluxe believe unearthing its background will only enhance its authenticity and make it a more indulging experience. So, let us jointly start exploring the fascinating cultural and historical roots of hookah smoking.

Where Is Hookah From?

Deciding on the true origin of the hookah is the ultimate subject for debate. Countries like Ethiopia, Iran, and India appear to be its potential birthplaces. Nevertheless, it seems that the cultural history of Hookah has a strong connection with Middle Eastern and Indian culture. Back then, smoking hookah was mainly meant for the aristocrat and noble class of society. 

Simple water pipes have existed for many centuries, but the arrival of tobacco with the Portuguese has paved the way to modernization of hookah. 

Origin of Hookah: The Indian Edition

It is believed that hookah originated in India during Mughal rule around the 16th century. The Portuguese used to control trade with India and often imported Brazilian tobacco. As it got popular, an ambassador gifted some tobacco to Emperor Akbar. Being anxious with the health hazards associated with smoking unfiltered tobacco, Abu’l-Faith Gilani (Akbar’s chief physician) advised filtering smoke in water to make it safer. As a result, he created a water pipe to smoke tobacco, which got modernized with time and finally became Hookah of today.

Origin of Hookah: The Iranian Edition

While the Indian edition of the hookah origin makes sense, the Iranian version also makes a strong case. Back in the 16th century, the Persians also traded a huge quantity of tobacco with the Persians in Iran. Despite Abbas the Great, Shah of Iran, banning tobacco, the elite Iranian class continued to smoke using 'qalyan,’ a device that means ‘bubble up’ in English. Qalyans were different from today’s hookah and were crafted with wood or metal and did not have a glass vase to contain the water separately.

Also, Abu’l-Faith Gilani, Akbar’s physician who created hookah in India, was a Persian and thus was familiar with Persian Qalyan pipes. 

Origin of Hookah: The Ethiopian Edition

Many people strongly believe that hookah first originated in Ethiopia, as remains of ancient water pipes were unearthed in the Ethiopian caves. These devices were made of coconut husks and wood and are expected to date back as old as the 11th century.

How Did Hookah Expand and Get Popular with Time?

Even though we are unclear of the origin of hookah, we certainly have a good idea about how it expanded and got popular since its introduction in the 16th century.

17th Century: Widespread Acceptance

This is when hookah got widely accepted in Persia, and smoking got socially accepted. In fact, hookah smoking soon became a symbol of status among the nobles and aristocrats of Persia and India. This created a new job role for Hookah servants, who were entirely responsible to prepare the hookah for smoke and maintain them for the elites.

18th Century: Hookah Entering Turkey

Finally, in the 18th century, hookah was introduced into Turkey, where it became a cultural staple in no time. The Turkish redefined the previous hookah designs and added detailed religious and political decorations to the water pipes for the first time. Soon, hookah emerged as an emblem of hospitality and trust, and offering the guest a hookah became a gesture of trust and gesture, and refusing such a gesture had a severe effect on the relationship. Often used to conclude political meetings and dinners. Offering the guest a hookah became a gesture of trust and gesture, and refusing such a gesture had a severe effect on the relationship. 

19th Century: Hookah Entering Egypt

By the 19th century, hookahspread further towards the south and east and entered northern Africa, where it became extremely popular in Egypt. This is when the Egyptians started mixing molasses or honey into tobacco and experimented by adding different flavors like watermelon, lemon, and so on.

Also, Egyptians were the first to introduce the idea of hookah lounge.As hookah smoking got popular among all classes in Egypt, hookah clubs and lounges started to establish, welcoming people from diverse backgrounds to socialize and enjoy smoking hookah together.

20th Century: Hookah Around the Globe

During the 20th century, hookah got globally recognized, and international travelers from India and other countries of the Middle East visited and shared their shisha culture with other parts of the world. Meanwhile, in the birth land of hookah, the hookah practice only got stronger, more firmly embedded, and more extensive.

21st Century: Hookah Debut in America

Hookah recently gained a grand exposure in the United States. Though it has existed in the country for a long time, in the 21st century, native manufacturers started manufacturing their own hookah tobacco and hookah using mass manufacturing, offering improved designs and creative shisha tobacco flavors.

At present, hookah has transformed into a social activity popular among young Americans who take it as an excellent way to socialize and enjoy with friends. Moreover, it serves as a brilliant cultural connection to unveil different traditions and cultures for those who enjoy exploring new cultures.

In short, while we may not be completely certain of the true origin of hookah, now we recognize how it has fanned out throughout the 16th to 19th centuries, from India to the Middle East and finally into Africa. Back then as well as now, hookah was an important part of the culture and tradition in India and the Middle East, where it signifies faith and friendship. Therefore, it is a wonderful way to experience different cultures around the globe with your friends and loved ones.