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Tourist flock to Shisha Cafes for a slice of UAE culture, but few know the true origins of this Arabian delight. The first shisha are thought to have originated nearly a millennium ago in the northwestern province of India, along the border of Pakistan in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The body was formed of a coconut shell, in which the tobacco was burnt. When the Shisha made its way into Turkey about 500 years ago, it endured a surge of popularity among the upper class and intellectuals and thus changing in design. The coconut shell was abandoned and replaced with elegant glass or porcelain bowls which were adorned with intricate designs and detailing by expert craftsmen.Shishas also developed four parts while in Turkey, agizlik (mouthpiece), lule(bowl), marpuc( tube) and govde(body). The body of the shisha is filled with water to filter the soot and nicotine from the tobacco used. The original tobacco is called ajami- this is blended with sweetener to form a flavorless, moistened mixture. In the late 1980’s, the flavored varieties, tobamel, became popular as Tobacco companies aimed at selling more products to women. Now there are a multitude of flavors to choose from such as apple, strawberry, mint, peach, cappuccino, vanilla, banana, these are mixed with tobacco, honey and distilled water to form a palatable pulp. Due to the altered mixtures, the two types of tobacco are smoked in different ways. As the ajami is formed mostly from tobacco, it is packed into the bowl in direct contact with the hot coals. The tobamel is however, separated from the coals by a silver foil that is punctured with holes, allowing it to be heated indirectly and done so the more delicate pulp does not burn. The tobamel is the lighter of the two tobaccos, making it popular with the tourist’s who had rather a gentler smoking experience.There are many way different names of smoking this device, depending on which part of the world you are in. In the Middle East you could be puffin hookah, In Turkey, the term ‘nargile’ is used which actually comes from the Persian word nargil (coconut) due to its original form. Where as in Iran, you would be smoking a hubble-bubble. In Dubai the most common name is shisha.Being a social activity, the pipe is passed around a group with a detachable mouthpiece known as a ‘mebsam’. This is a small plastic tube that is inserted into the end of the pipe, before passing the shisha along, the smoker will remover theirs for hygiene. It is considered rude to pass the pipe with the mebsam still attached. As shisha smoking is mostly done in a group it can be a slow process. Passing the pipe around and keeping the coals alight creates a relaxed pace. This has traditionally encouraged a forum of thought and contemplation regarding life and the world. Men and women enjoy the break from their busy lives, taking time to discuss problems and affairs of the world. Families get together after dinner and share stories, talk about their day and enjoy each other’s company. Whilst in the UAE you’ll see many enjoying this relaxing past time, from men in local coffee shops to visitors in five-star hotels. With hundreds of cafes and courtyards in Dubai alone, shisha smoking is a way of life for many Arabs. Many of locals and Arabic visitors observe certain customs as a matter of courtesy to their smoking companions. For example, they will pass the pipe with the mouthpiece facing them as a sign of respect. In the emirate of Sharjah to the north of Dubai, smoking shisha in public places has been banned because of implications of passive smoking. In Dubai, it is allowed but mostly smoked outside so not to affect others. Smoking is a way of life for many and is too ingrained within the UAE for it to disappear any time soon.For a stellar smoking experience and excellent atmosphere, we recommend: Basta Art Café, Bur Dubai (04 353 5071) Open: 10am - 10 pm daily The Courtyard, One & Only Royal Mirage (04 399 999) Open: 7pm - 2.30am daily A|
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