argileh

Argileh is a water pipe used for smoking flavored tobacco, commonly known in English as a hookah or shisha. The term argileh is one of several regional names for the same device, which typically consists of a bowl, a stem, a base filled with water, hoses, and a mouthpiece. Tobacco, often flavored with molasses or fruit essences, is placed in the bowl, covered with perforated foil or a metal screen, and heated with charcoal to produce smoke that is drawn through the water and into the user’s mouth.

Tobacco and flavors: The tobacco smoked in an argileh is usually blend mu’assal or equally prepared shisha tobacco, available in a wide range of flavors such as apple, mint, citrus, and mixed fruity profiles. The water cools and moistens the smoke, which is then inhaled through the hose. Multiple hoses may be attached for group use.

History and distribution: The device has historical roots in the Middle East, South Asia, and surrounding regions, with various claims about its origin. It gained widespread popularity in urban cafés and social settings in the Ottoman era and later spread globally through migration and cultural exchange. Today argilehs are used in many countries with cafes and lounges offering them as a social activity.

Health and safety: Smoking argileh carries health risks similar to other forms of tobacco use. Smoke contains tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other toxicants. The water in the base does not eliminate these hazards. Sharing hoses can also raise hygiene concerns. Regulations on sale, use, and age limits vary by country and locality.

In summary, argileh is a traditional, social method of smoking flavored tobacco through a water pipe, with a long historical presence and diverse cultural associations, but it remains associated with health risks comparable to other tobacco use.