Waterpipes

Waterpipes, commonly referred to as hookahs or shishas, are devices used for smoking flavored tobacco or other herbal substances. The smoke is drawn through water before inhalation, which is believed to cool and partially filter the vapor.

Typical waterpipes consist of a bowl for the tobacco, a vertical or bent stem connected to a water-filled base, a water chamber, and one or more hoses with mouthpieces. The bowl is heated with charcoal or an electric heat source. The heat passes through the tobacco, producing smoke that travels down the stem and into the water, where it is cooled before it exits via the hose.

Historically, waterpipes have origins in the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East and spread widely across the Ottoman world and beyond. In many cultures they are used in social settings at cafes or homes. Modern variants include multi-hose models, portable personal devices, and designs with glass, metal, ceramic or clay components. Some setups use fruit or flavored water as an adjunct.

Health and safety notes: smoking any tobacco carries health risks, including addiction, respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Water filtration is not a reliable method to remove harmful constituents; certain toxins and carbon monoxide can pass through. Secondhand smoke is a concern in shared spaces. Regulations in many places restrict age, advertising, and indoor use.

Cultural context: Waterpipes are central to social rituals in parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, and have become a global cultural phenomenon with cafes and lounges worldwide. Debates continue regarding health, regulation, and youth access.