Shisha is a Middle-Eastern smoking tradition that began hundreds of years before the invasion of the big American cigarette companies and is one of the most common and interesting sites of the Arab World. There are numerous cafes where one can lie on long cushions and spend the time talking to your friends and enjoying this Arab delight. Tobacco is soaked in fruit shavings such as strawberry, apples or grapes. This mixture is then smoked through a large water pipe (called a Shisha). Men and women of the upper classes in the Arab world have been entertaining guests with Shisha pipes for centuries. Moreover, there are hoards of Shisha purists who truly cherish this tradition no less than a Japanese tea Master or Matron.
With the invention of the hookah or "shisha" over 500 years ago, the Turks refined smoking to an artful and elegant ceremonial experience to be shared in the company of friends.
The hookah uses a small charcoal tablet to gently heat a special, flavor-infused tobacco blend. The tobacco never burns, but is filtered as it is drawn through the water-filled, hand-blown glass base and inhaled through ornate, embroidered hoses. The vapor is incredibly smooth, sweet and aromatic.
Shisha is tobacco mixed with molasses and fruit flavors and is smoked in a hookah. Shisha tobacco is not your typical tobacco. It's nothing like the tobacco you find in cigars, cigarettes, or dip. No, smoking true nargile shisha is an entirely different sensation. Shisha Tobacco is the Best as it's been well documented in the media, the tobacco in cigarettes is anything but pure. Large amounts of nicotine and other additives make it extremely harmful. Some cigarettes claim to be additive free, but plain tobacco isn't terribly pleasant to smoke. Smoked for flavor and not for any kind of effect, it proves a relaxing and peaceful pursuit. Since shisha is tobacco, smoking it involves some of the same ill effects as other types of smoking. It is very light and flavorful with a wonderful fruity aroma. The most popular flavor is apple, others include strawberry, pineapple, apricot, grape, rose, mint, and even cappuccino! (There is even an exclusive cola flavor).
In the Middle East, from Turkey to India, there are shisha cafes where people gather to smoke and drink coffee or tea. Smoking shisha can last two hours or more and is a very peaceful, social occassion generally filled with good conversation with friends. A shisha smoking session can last from thirty minutes up to and hour
