The history of the hookah

The Shisha Tobacco
The extra moist tobacco for water pipes comes from a mixture of tobacco, molasses and glycerin. It can’t be compared to cigarette or pipe tobacco. In Europe, shish is generally smoked with tobacco that has a distinct and significant aroma, which you can get in different flavors. One of the most popular flavors is double apple, though there are different flavors of apple. Other flavors are: cherry, orange, lemon, coconut, cappuccino, grape, vanilla, banana, lickerish, mint, mango, rose, strawberry, melon, cola and caramel. Other not so strong flavors are smoked in Iran and Azerbaijan. Their oriental tobacco is flavored with honey. Also they often use rose water in the bowl or the flavor is enhanced by adding special woods to the coals. The consistency of shisha tobacco is sticky and pasty because it is 20-40% moist. Due to its high degree of moisture shisha tobacco came into conflict with the German tobacco laws in 1977. After the law was passed tobacco moisture was only allowed to be at 5%. Since 2004 German customs makes sure that tobacco imports stick to the rules. Therefore there is a special brand of tobacco that is made in Germany which adds glycerin from a pharmacy as well as molasses to the tobacco. However it is not quite the same as the normal finished product.

The Hookah Charcoal
The hookah charcoal (called Fachma) typically consists of charcoal with no additives such as kerosene, which is not used for smoking a shisha. Waterpipe coal is divided into two groups. There are self-igniting charcoal tablets, which consist of a minimum quantity of black powder, which can then be set alight with a lighter. Can take about 30 - 90 minutes depending on which coal and method are used. The coal unit diameter is 33 tablets or 40 millimeters. The alternative to coal is nature charcoal tablets. The nature of coal consists of compressed coconut shells (Cococha) have a very high calorific temperature value. Other types of coal are made of orange or olive wood which are sulfur-free. Natural coals contain no black powder and should only be lit in a furnace. But it burns longer and makes it possible to better regulate the heat.

How the Shisha functions
To smoke a shisha, fill the bowl with water and put paper on the opening. The tube must be two to three centimeters in the water and the vessel opening completely closed. Then fill the tobacco head about 2 / 3 to 3 / 4 with shisha tobacco and then fill the head with multiple folded and perforated aluminum foil cover. It should be noted that the film does not affect the tobacco. A piece of metal (the alternate to the perforated aluminum foil) is often supplied with the shisha. The metal is ideal for longer smoking from several heads, as it is not burnt up. Also it reduces the risk that the tobacco will burn so quickly, so the smoke would be less palatable. On the aluminum foil or the screen, a glowing piece of charcoal should be placed. For non-flavored tobacco, coal can also be set up without the film. The suction at the mouthpiece is developing a negative pressure in the bottle, which is balanced by bubbling smoke from the pipe. The tobacco will be steamed rather than burned. This process allows for the smoke to be cool and pleasant. Putting ice cubes in the bowl can also make a cool effect and strengthen the smoke. Some shishas have a special tank at the column of smoke to direct come into contact with ice cubes. Also you can put other liquids into the bowl. When alcohol is used as the liquid it enters the bloodstream through the lungs. During the filling of the head with tobacco make sure you keep it loose otherwise it can be difficult to smoke if it is too closely packed. If the tobacco burns up too quickly than to few layers of aluminum foil were used. Don’t let the tobacco touch the foil, otherwise it will alter the taste. It is best to light the natural coal using a camping stove or small brazing torch. Bring the coals to a to glow then it should burn for about 90 minutes.

Shisha smoking in the Orient
Hookah smoking is traditionally celebrated as something special and done on festive occasions and at a meeting at which many friends come together. As a special pleasure when smoking foods and drinks are still served. Tea is often drunk, because it tastes slightly of smoke and adds to the taste of each new drag. Turkish sweets and biscuits are an excellent idea to have with your shisha or even to eat full meals. Shisha is normally smoked in comfortable rooms on cushions or rugs, couches and mattresses. It is a great way to relax or fall asleep.

Hookah Culture in Europe
A few years ago shisha smoking was still completely unknown, but not anymore. Shisha is especially nice for times of cozy togetherness and conversation. Thanks to its easily transportable form it’s also nice to bring picnics and parties. The great abundance of tobacco varieties guarantees a continuous change. In larger cities there are many so-called shisha bars, that offer both normal drinks as well as shishas. Meanwhile, there are many shops which sell Shishas and accessories, but with greatly varying quality.