The hookah originates from the northwestern provinces of India near the Pakistan border and was enjoyed hundreds of years ago. Hookahs were originally simple, primitive and made with a durable design from a type of Indian coconut called “nargyul” from which it got its name.

From there it spread to the Persian Empire which included Pakistan, Afghanistan, much of Central Asia and Arab parts of northern Africa. The hookah during its passage from Persia was used with tubeki (a form of dark tobacco grown in Iran today). The tubeki was “washed” in a special way and placed in the lula (clay vessel that holds the smoke) and coals were placed on it, thus giving a more intense flavor.