hooka

Hooka, commonly spelled hookah, is a waterpipe used for smoking flavored tobacco, often called shisha. The term hookah can refer to the apparatus itself, while shisha typically denotes the tobacco mixture or the social session surrounding its use.

Originating in the Persian and Indian worlds and spreading through the Ottoman Empire, hookah became a cultural fixture in parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. In the 20th and 21st centuries it gained global visibility, often in lounges and cafes, as a leisure activity.

Construction and use: A hookah consists of a base filled with water, a vertical stem, a bowl for tobacco, a hose or hoses, and a mouthpiece. Tobacco is heated with charcoal and smoke passes through water before being inhaled, with a wide range of fruit, spice, and dessert flavors available.

Health and regulation: Smoking hookah delivers nicotine and other tobacco-related chemicals. The water does not render these substances harmless, and some sessions can involve prolonged exposure. Shared mouthpieces can spread infections. Many countries regulate hookah use, restricting sales to adults and limiting indoor public smoking.

Variations: Modern options include electronic or heat-not-burn devices designed as alternatives to traditional charcoal-powered hookahs, as well as portable setups for home use. The practice remains socially oriented in many cultures, though health considerations lead to ongoing public health guidance and policy discussions.