Hookahs originated long ago from the part of northern India which was once Persia, in the area which is now Iran. These early hookahs were primitive smoking devices made from coconut shells. As the hookah gained popularity, it became a status symbol among Indian aristocracy and gentry. The use of the hookah eventually spread to other parts of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, middle Asia, and the Arab sections of northern Africa. Hookahs also became extremely popular in Turkey during the time of the Ottoman Turks, specifically Murat the IV from 1623-1640. In Turkey, the hookah was known as a nargile. 
The nargile, much like today's hookah, consisted of 4 parts: the agizlik, or mouthpiece, the lule, which was the top portion, the marpuc, or tube, and the govde, or water filled body. The body of the nargile was often decorated with a flower motif - a trend which often continues on today's hookahs. The mouthpieces were usually carved out of amber, as people believed that amber did not transmit sickness. Oak charcoal was used to burn a dark tobacco which was generally imported from Iran. This dark tobacco, called shisha (from the Persian word 'shisheh', meaning glass), was often mixed with honey or molasses and fruit. Some smokers added fruit, pomegranate juice, or rose oil to the water to flavor the smoke. The practice of adding strong flavors to the tobacco itself is a relatively recent practice which has only gained popularity in the last 20 years.
The nargile became very popular in the 19th and early 20th century with high class ladies in Asia and Europe, but it's popularity declined with the rise of cigarettes. Today, hookahs are enjoyed all over the world and there are many quality brands of shisha to choose from, including Fantasia, Layalina, and Al Faker.
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