Archive for February, 2010

• Hookah 101 – Vol. 1: “How to Set Up a Hookah”

  Date: 2010.02.26 | Category: How To Video's | Response: 0

  

  We know you have questions, and thankfully, we have your answers. Most hookah companies have a Q & A page, but that’s dull, and we’re more technologically savvy than that. You’d be surprised at how many people don’t even know what a hookah is. We’re constantly fielding questions about what a hookah is, how it works, how to put it together… so, we came up with a pretty brilliant idea (if I do say so myself).  In the effort of saving you time – and yes, I realize some of my blogs are quite lengthy – we wanted to give you a source to answer all of your questions visually. Instead of reading instructions on your most frequently asked questions, we decided to make “How to Videos” for you watch and learn from. Cognitive Learning has been proven to produce higher results than any other category, and we’re hip on the Science scene. Besides that, all of our videos feature the beautiful and charismatic CARMEN – and she’s real easy on the eyes.

  Our “How to Videos” are packed with information on very specific topics concerning all things hookah and hookah related. The step-by-step instructional video will be sure to leave you feeling educated and knowledgeable on every hookah issue under the sun. The best thing about having a video, as opposed to a step-by-step instruction manual, is that you’re able to work through the process at the exact same time you’re learning it! It’s genius, I know.

  We’ll be starting to release a series of these “How to Videos” about every 5 weeks on this blog, Hookah Time. As always, we are extremely open to your suggestions, and if you think of a great idea for a “How to Video” please send me an email at Stephanie@SaharaSmoke.com and I’ll take it under review. You know what you want to see, and that’s why we’re here- to please and entertain you by showcasing your favorite pastime in an enjoyable, yet relatable way- learning is a lot easier when you’re having fun.

  We hope that you enjoy Vol. 1 of Hookah 101 – A video illuminating the process on “How to Properly Set up a Hookah”. Keep checking the Hookah Time blog to see other “How to Videos” and to see if your idea has made the cut!

  Watch, Listen, and Learn- Happy Smoking!

  

• The True Story Of Shisha

  Date: 2010.02.19 | Category: History | Response: 1

  
  When most of you hear the word “Shisha” you think about the tobacco that is used while smoking hookah. Well, buddy, I hate to tell you, but that’d be wrong.  Actually, because of the lack of language translation, different cultures had to come up with their own name for the glass pipe that we know and love. In the Arabic language they say Shisha, Nargeela or Argeela. Narghilè (but sometimes pronounced Argilah) is the name most commonly used in Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria. Narghile derives from the Persian word nārghile, meaning coconut (remember this; we’re coming back to it). In the United States, the name most used is “hookah” and it obviously caught on. We did, however, hold true to some of the history of the word, and the tobacco we use in the hookah took on the shisha name. The original shisha, as this blog would suggest, is the Middle Eastern word for “glass”.  And while most countries have developed a term that best fits their own cultures, we’re going to focus primarily on the Middle Eastern origins.

  So, without further ado…

  Once upon a time, (actually, around 1550 AD) an Emperor of India (Asia) invented the Hookah as a means to better socialize with his noblemen. This was, of course, after the introduction of Western tobacco to the International market. Now, it is arguable that the Middle East was really the first culture to adapt this form of ‘social smoking’, so in the effort to be fair, I’ll discuss both possibilities.

  First of all, a “Hookah” is the glass pipe that you use to smoke shisha . It usually consists of a vase that you fill with water, a stem, on top of that stem is a bowl (preferably a Vortex!), and then you have your choice of hoses (1 to 4 in most cases). The first Hookah was constructed from a coconut shell, but an Indian Physician named Hakim Abul Fateh Gilani hypothesized that smoking was harmful to your health, so in order to clean it up a bit, he invented a system to filter the smoke through water- subsequently purifying the smoke for inhalation. This new system which included a glass vase filled with water is strikingly similar to what is still used today.  This design was widely accepted by most cultures and quickly became a popular past-time. And to be honest, the look of the hookah hasn’t really changed all that much in the past 500 years.

  In India, Hookah smoking was a sign of wealth and privilege, but the Middle East had something else in mind. Arabs discovered hookahs pretty soon after their invention and made it the social sensation of the century! But really, in the Arabic Culture, smoking hookah is a social event. It’s a way to make the neighbors a part of your family, get the whole family together, sit down, smoke some shisha and relax. Shisha, as we’ve previously discussed, is the name for the tobacco used in hookahs, and also has a multitude of varied names. (to read an extremely witty, yet informative blog on Shisha History, click here) It is a part of their Tradition, and it is said that in the Arab Culture are some of the heaviest hookah smokers in the world. (And boy do I believe it) This tradition quickly caught on, and spread to other social places where people gather such as coffee houses, and more modernly, lounges. Indians might have invented the hookah, but Arabs invented the Hookah Culture – true story.

  

• Nar Stem “A New Twist On Hookah”

  Date: 2010.02.12 | Category: Hookah Accessories | Response: 0

  

  The Nar Stem is the newest accessory in a long line of beautiful hookah stems offered by Sahara Smoke Co. “Nar” meaning “Fire” in Arabic, is designed to look like a Kings Scepter and is utterly fitting of the name. This new age patented stem is the ultimate combination of quality engineering, innovative design, and superior functionality. The interior setup of the Nar is based around the extra-wide down tube that is synonymous with Sahara Smoke standards. This makes for easier cleaning, and a much thicker smoke. The expanded down-stem and center tube also maximize air flow to enhance your smoking experience. As always, the stem will come apart into pieces and thus is fully customizable.

  But beyond the functionality and engineering of the Nar is the beauty and simplicity of its design. Very simply put, there is nothing else like it. Inspired by the natural swirling motion of smoke, the Nar stem is designed to echo and compliment the flawless sensual curves of a hookah.

  The Nar stem is currently offered in Medium and Large sizes, in 1, 2, 3, or 4 hose options, with a brilliant polished chrome finish. Like everything else we do at Sahara Smoke, we strive to constantly innovate and improve our hookahs, accessories, and designs based on your feedback. Check back with us at www.saharasmoke.com for new additions and colors to the Nar Collection. (And soon to come, THE KHAN STEM)