What is a hookah?

Date: 05 Feb 2021

What is a hookah?

We hear this question less and less, as the hookah is gaining more and more popularity. Let's look at the definition of a hookah step by step, while mentioning interesting facts about it and how it works.

Although the hookah is associated entirely with the traditions of the Orient
there are several highly contradictory hypotheses about its origin. Some researchers link it to Europe, others to America, still others to India,
Persia, Africa, etc.
The hookah is also known by other names such as water pipe, shisha, hookah and others.
It has existed for more than 500 years. In the beginning, the hookah looked like a coconut from the Narcissus palm, which grows in India.
The soft core of the walnut separated, two holes were drilled, as in
one put a straw, and the mixture of herbs put inside. This was actually the first and simplest form of the modern hookah. Exactly with the name of the palm - Narcissus, is associated with the modern name of the hookah.
Although the name "narcissus" is still used here and there due to different languages and different pronunciations of sounds, it has gradually changed to today's "hookah" or "hookah".

Let's pay attention to the key components of the hookah, which are:

Tobacco bowl

The tobacco cup is a component without which hookah smoking is not possible, it is placed on top of the hookah plate. For this reason, it is often called a hookah head. Most often the cups are made of clay, and there are also cups made of silicone, glass, metal, as well as a combination of these materials. Tobacco is placed in the cup, and there are various methods for heating it, which we will discuss later in the article.

The body of the hookah

The body consists of a metal tube and a chamber. The metal tube connects the chamber to the cup, and the chamber connects to the vase. The connection of the chamber with the vase can be through a pin, screw or rubber seal (on the cap). The hose is also connected through the strap, and the connection can be with a rubber seal, O-rings, a screw or a magnet. The last function of the chamber is the valve for blowing stagnant smoke, as different brands and models of hookahs offer many different, interesting and innovative ways to blow smoke.
The body of the hookah can be made of plastic, aluminum or steel.
We recommend hookahs made of stainless steel.

Hookah hose

The hose is connected to the chamber at one end and there is a smoke inhaler at the other end.
The hoses can be made of plastic, cardboard, silicone, leather and other materials. We recommend silicone hoses as they are the easiest to clean and do not retain odors.

Vase

The vase is the part on which the whole body of the hookah is located. It is usually filled with water. That is why the hookah is sometimes called a water pipe. Vases are usually made of glass, but can also be made of other materials, such as carbon.

Connor or HMD

These are devices for heating the cup. There are many types of such devices, and what device to choose depends on the cup you use and which is the most appropriate way to heat it.

So how does all this create smoke and caress your taste buds?

It's simple. The tobacco in the cup, covered with foil or a heat control device, is heated by well-lit hookah coals, then when inhaled through the mouthpiece, the smoke passes through the water at the base and reaches you.

In our online store you can find both hookahs and all kinds of consumables and accessories for them. You can order on the website matras-hookah.com or visit our physical store in Varna.