Sheesha is a water-pot connected with a hose-pipe that is used for tobacco smoking. A special kind of tobacco is indirectly heated using live coals or wood embers. This tobacco is placed on the head of the hookah under a sheet of tinfoil. Live charcoal or burning wood embers are then placed on top of the tinfoil. The tobacco burns releasing smoke, which is cooled by the water in the bowl and then inhaled through the hose/mouthpiece.
The hookah, a water-pot tobacco-smoking device, has a long history with uncertain origins, but it is believed to have originated in India and was introduced by Persian physician Abu'l-Fath Gilani. It has become a symbol of community, uniting people regardless of social class, religion, or political beliefs. Despite advancements, the hookah remains rooted in tradition and holds cultural significance for many.
The hookah's modern form emerged in the 16th century, with a red baked clay lower chamber commonly found in India. Glass manufacturing was later introduced through British rule, leading to the creation of "Sheesha," a modified hookah with a thick glass base for smoke purification. Sheesha gained popularity among nobles, symbolizing social status.
During the 17th century, the hookah spread to Persian culture, undergoing further transformations. Artisans decorated the hookah hose with woodcraft and carvings, making it accessible to people of all backgrounds. In the 18th century, Sheesha migrated to Turkish culture, where it became prominent among the high society, featuring brass designs and religious markings. Sheesha became a symbol of status and trust, and offering it to guests was an important gesture.
From there, the Sheesha tradition spread throughout the Middle East and neighboring countries, leading to the establishment of Sheesha cafes that promoted community among patrons of all classes, races, and genders. In the early 21st century, the Sheesha industry reached the United States, where pioneers utilized modern technology to enhance quality and design, catering to diverse consumer tastes and preferences.
The body of the hookah sits fit on top of the water base or vase. The downstem is made to remain down below the level of the water in the jar. The smoke passes through the body and out the downstem where it bubbles through the water as this process cools and humidifies the smoke. Liquids such as fruit juice may be added to the water or used in substitution. Pieces of fruit, mint leaves, and crushed ice may be added which are totally optional.
Bowl is also known as the head of the hookah. The bowl is a container or a crucible made out of clay, marble, or glass that holds the live coal and tobacco during the inhalation. The bowl is loaded with tobacco then covered by a screen or perforated aluminum foil. Live coals are then placed on top, allowing the tobacco to heat steadily at a proper temperature.
The hose that could be single or multiple is a slim flexible tube that allows the smoke to be drawn from a distance, cooling down the smoke before inhalation. The end is narrowly fitted with a wooden, plastic, or metal mouthpiece of different shapes, size and colour.
A small plate or ashtray is attached just below the bowl to catch ashes falling off the coals. This additional component ensures a clean and tidy smoking experience while minimizing the risk of accidental fires or mess.
A Wind Cover is a shield that covers the bowl with perforation. This shield prevents air from increasing the burning rate and stops ash and burning embers from being blown away in surrounding areas, thus avoiding accidents by fire.
Grommets in a hookah body is usually placed between the bowl and the main body, between the body’s gasket and the water jar, and between the body and the hose. The grommets, although not essential as the use of paper or tape has become more common, helps to seal the joints between the parts, therefore decreasing the amount of air coming in and maximizing the smoke breathed in.
A piece attached to the bottom of the stem, usually made of plastic and in a grid pattern, to make a smoother smoke and a subdued noise.
Charcoal in Sheesha smoking is the source of energy to produce heat that is transferred to the tobacco inside the bowl. Since the glycerol is used to moisturize the tobacco, then to produce smoke, the charcoal should be able to ignite above the boiling point of glycerol viz… 290°C. Therefore, charcoal for hookah smoking must be hard, high density, easy to ignite, and burn longer with persistent heat.
Tobacco or Mu‘assel, also sometimes called Shisha in places where it does not refer to the Hookah itself, is a syrupy tobacco mix with molasses and vegetable glycerol as moisturizer and specific flavours added to it. Typical flavours of mu‘assel include apple, grape, guava, lemon, mint, as well as many other fruit-based mixes. Non-tobacco-based mu’assel are also available in various flavours in certain areas where tobacco smoking is not allowed.
You must be 18 years Ols to buy or smoke a hookah.
Regular Sheesha is tobacco leaves mixed with fruit flavored molasses, it contains no tar. Herbal Hookah Sheesha is herbs mixed with fruit flavored molasses. It contains no Tar Nicotine or Tobacco.
The number of hoses your hookah has will not affect the taste or smoke. As hookahs are mainly smoked in groups of at least 3, it's convenient to have enough hoses to go around.
Each flavor has its own unique taste and is great on its own.
Yes, it is great to mix flavorsl There are some flavors which are intended as mixers, such as mint. Mint is great when mixed with double apple and many other flavors, simply add 90% double apple and 10% mint for a great taste.
Yes, it is great to mix flavorsl There are some flavors which are intended as mixers, such as mint. Mint is great when mixed with double apple and many other flavors, simply add 90% double apple and 10% mint for a great taste.
Adding everything from tea to your favorite juices or beverages and can add loads of flavor to your hookah?
Storing your Sheesha in a stay fresh Canister and stored in a cool dry room will keep your Sheesha fresh. Refrigerating your sheesha is also recommended.
It is best to have the drop down tube, submerged in the water approximately 1 , -1 , 1/2. The amount of water in your base will determine how hard you will need to pull on your Hookah when smoking. The more filtration there is as well and with less water is easier to pull.
1. Disassemble your hookah as much as possible.
2. Place each item which needs cleaning into a bucket, put in rubbing alcohol, salt and enough water to submerge each piece.
3. Rest it for 30 minutes before pulling it out and run hot water through each piece.