How hookahs are smoked in the East: Traditions and peculiarities

The Modern East and hookahs

In modern Eastern countries much has changed, and the attitude toward hookah smoking has become somewhat different. At least in those countries where tourism is flourishing. It is much more important for locals to attract Europeans and offer them an old hookah as entertainment. But there are more authentic countries where waterpipe is treated as a significant part of cultural heritage, and in some cities, even as a religious attribute. So when setting out on a trip to Eastern countries you should know beforehand what smoking traditions are followed and how seriously the process is treated. Of course, in the modern world the attitude to hookah is somewhat easier. But there are traditions that do not change even in culturally developed countries such as India, Turkey, Egypt. We have studied the Eastern traditions of hookah smoking and collected the main features that are worth paying attention to.

Traditions and features of hookah smoking in the East

These traditions do not refer to any particular country. They are about the culture and national traditions of the East. In some countries they are observed very strictly, in others they are treated more loyally. Nevertheless, such traditions must be followed if they are honored and taken seriously in that country. Find out how hookah is smoked in the East, and what are the peculiarities:

• It is customary to hold a hookah pipe in the right hand. It is unlikely that in the East you will see the pipe in the left hand of a local. This is due to the religious belief that the left hand is "unclean".
• It is not customary to pass a hookah pipe from hand to hand. As a rule, it is put on the table, on special pillow or plate which is on the floor or on the table.
• It is not customary to put a hookah on the table only in places for safety reasons and not in all. It is believed that hookah must stand on the floor.
• In most Eastern countries hookah is like underwear that is designed individually for each person. Often this rule is neglected in the family circle and hookah is smoked for the family. But it is not uncommon for venues to serve one hookah for one person.
• The head of the house strikes the hookah and he also smokes it. No one prepare hookah if there is the eldest man in the family.
• Hookah is prepared only by a man. Women also smoke hookah, but at a separate table. Although in some modern Eastern countries, this tradition is a thing of the past.
• In the East, even children smoke hookah. The governments of the countries are trying to fight it; many children are refused in establishments, but it does not prevent them from smoking hookah with their relatives at home.
• Pouring anything into the hookah base, except water, is not just a bad tone, it's almost impossible.
• Smoking hookah with alcohol is categorically impossible. In many Eastern countries you cannot even buy alcohol, and even if you can, it is not served together with hookah. Of course, for tourists often make exceptions, but locals will never smoke hookah with alcohol.
• It is not customary to eat a normal meal while smoking, but many Orientals eat before smoking, 30-60 minutes before. It is considered normal.
• It is accepted to serve fruits, sweets to waterpipe, as a rule there is a light meal on the table and it is allowed before drinking with hookah.
• Of drinks, water, tea and coffee are preferred. These drinks are considered the best for the process of hookah smoking.
• In the course of hookah smoking, musical instruments are often played, men play backgammon or other games, casually chatting. Categorically, serious socializing with hookah is not welcome. It is considered to be a time of relaxation. Therefore, the topics of work, needs, problems are not discussed.
• Some locals prefer to smoke hookah alone, enjoying the silence, reading a book or a newspaper. Others prefer to gather with family or friends. There are also those who dare to invite strangers and tourists into their homes to socialize and treat themselves to a hookah. But it is never acceptable to ask for a hookah, to give advice, to be the first to take the pipe in your hands. This is indecent behavior towards the owners of the house.
• Regardless of whether there is a large company sitting at the table with a hookah, or a few people, they will never disturb others. It is important that everyone enjoys and enjoys themselves while smoking.
• If you are used to light tobacco and thick smoke in hookahs in US or European countries, the Eastern hookah may seem unbearably heavy. Indeed, very strong shisha tobacco is hammered in here. Often doha is added.
• About the flavors it is not necessary to speak. As a rule, they are limited to a few options, in the form of mint, apple, grapes. The range of flavors is extremely low, many people prefer to smoke hookah without any flavor at all.
• The time of hookah smoking differs in different Eastern countries. In Turkey, the UAE and Egypt people prefer to smoke waterpipe at night and in the evening, when the heat goes away. In Tunisia, Afghanistan and a number of other countries hookah is smoked during the day. A kind of "siesta" is made.
• The hookah jamming method in the East is very different from what we are used to. What kind of heat management devices are we talking about? Here you take a pile of tobacco, throw it carelessly into a hookah bowl, lay a foil, make holes with an awl and put charcoal. The foil is a classy accessory. Often shisha tobacco is poured in a mountain and charcoal is placed on top.
• The duration of hookah smoking in the East is about 30 minutes. Then the shisha tobacco is replaced and can continue to draw a thick, often bitter smoke. Charcoal is usually used from orange wood. They burn quickly, so you have to change them often.
• If you are invited to the table to smoke hookah, and you refuse, the owner of the house will consider it as a great insult. So you need to refer to the state of health or to show respect and make at least a few puffs.

These are not all the traditions and features of hookah smoking in the East. Of course, each country has its own peculiarities. In some countries hookah is a religious attribute and is smoked 5 times a day before prayers. Other countries, such as India, are very proud that their country is considered the home of hookahs, but smoking hookah in India is not an easy task. When going on a trip, take care to find out more about how hookah smoking is treated in that country. It will help you feel comfortable and try a real Eastern hookah.