Shisha, also known as hookah or hookah, is an iconic object whose history goes back several centuries. Originating in India in the 16th century, it quickly spread throughout the Middle East and beyond. Although its exact origins are controversial, with influences from Persia, Africa and India, shisha has become a symbol of conviviality and refinement in many cultures. Over time, this smoking instrument has undergone a fascinating evolution, both in terms of its shape and the materials used to make it.
1. The roots of shisha: from clay to copper
1.1. The first materials: clay and wood
The first shishas were made entirely of clay or wood, reflecting the natural resources available at the time. These materials offered an authentic smoking experience, but had limitations in terms of durability and performance.
1.2. Traditional copper shisha: Khalil Mamoon
The use of copper marked a major turning point in the history of shisha. The Egyptian brand Khalil Mamoon, founded in 1873, has become emblematic of this transition. Their copper shishas, such as the Mini Beast and the Ice Pot series, are renowned for their robustness, refined aesthetics and exceptional longevity.
2. The move to modern materials
2.1. Stainless steel and aluminium: a new era
Stainless steel has established itself as the quality standard for modern shishas. Brands such as El-Badia with its Z1 and Z6 models, as well as German brands MIG and Steamulation, have developed stainless steel hookahs that combine performance and elegance. Stainless steel offers corrosion resistance, exceptional durability and ease of maintenance, making it the preferred choice for top-of-the-range shishas.
Aluminium has found its place thanks to its lightness and affordability. El-Badia's famous Celeste shisha, launched in 2006, is a perfect example of this trend, with its aluminium body. Aluminium is appreciated for its lightness and ease of machining, enabling modern designs and great portability.
2.2 Innovations in synthetic materials
Polyacetal (POM) has become the material of choice for its lightness and strength. Notable examples include the Moze BREEZE Two, AMOTION's Flash Bang and Embery's Mono.
Resin has opened up new decorative possibilities, as shown by Moze's BREEZE Two and Aladin's MVP 360 Epox. The Regal Hookah Brazilian shishas stand out for their innovative use of resin combined with wood finishes. These shishas are created from a combination of aerospace-grade aluminium and beautiful wood finishes, offering a unique design and exceptional performance.
2.3. Glass and acrylic: aesthetics and practicality
Traditionally, glass was used for vases because of its clean aesthetic and ability to cool smoke efficiently. However, the introduction of acrylic vases marked a turning point in the industry. El-Badia's Celeste, launched in 2006, pioneered this innovation, offering a tougher solution suited to professional environments such as shisha bars.
The American brand FUMO has revolutionised the industry by creating hookahs made entirely from laboratory glass. These hookahs, like the ORB and JAR models, offer a unique smoking experience thanks to their innovative design and the purity of the glass used. FUMO is renowned for its unrivalled quality of use, guaranteeing a smoke of incomparable purity.
3. Innovations in components
Fireplaces have evolved from terracotta to materials such as glass and silicone, adapting to new heating systems. Traditional leather pipes have been replaced by silicone models, offering better hygiene and durability.
4. The future of materials in the shisha industry
The hookah industry continues to innovate with the use of cutting-edge materials. The German brand MIG has created a titanium shisha, the MIG TITAN model, sold at the exceptional price of €6,800. This luxury shisha is made up of 175 individual pieces of titanium, offering unrivalled corrosion resistance and lightness.
In the same innovative vein, Russian brand Salomon has developed a shisha made entirely of carbon fibre, priced at €2,450. This high-tech material offers a unique combination of lightness and strength, pushing back the limits of design and performance in the shisha industry.
The evolution of materials in the manufacture of hookahs reflects a fascinating balance between tradition and innovation. From artisanal copper to technical polymers, titanium and carbon fibre, each material brings its own story, responding to the aesthetic, technical and ethical preferences of modern consumers. The importance of quality materials cannot be underestimated, as they directly influence durability, performance and the overall smoking experience. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting innovations in shisha materials and design.
