I have limited knowledge of this objects use in Turkey, and what the effects are on the person using it. Obviously depending on what substances are smoked.

There is plenty of information about the Nargile and the history of it is very interesting. My original perception was that it was associated with the use of hashish and opium, which historically it was in some countries.

When I was on holiday in Oludeniz, there was a section on the beach where you could go and be served drinks and a nargile, but I was not tempted to try as I am not a smoker (anymore!).

I am interested in hearing some personal experiences. And would it be frowned upon if a woman smoked one? Is it the same or similar to smoking a cigarette?

I only have limited knowledge too! I tried it, but it was in a tourist area, so I am not sure how authentic it was! They give you a sealed mouthpiece, so it is hygenic.

It was NOTHING like smoking a cigarette. It did not taste of tobacco at all, it was a scented, mild very sweet taste. However, I am sure tobacco is used, because when I visited an Arabian restaurant recently they told me they had been banned in restaurants because of the tobacco content!

I am sure their origins are with something a bit more potent!

I can give you all the information you need, as I own one myself. I live in U.S where as of late, "Hookah Lounges" have become popular. It's seen as something "new" and "exotic" by Americans and they love it. The thing itself's LESS harmful than cigarettes as its tar gets left in the water. You can buy LOTS and LOTS of different falvored tobacco for it. The tobacco for it are specially made, and mixed in with a honey-like substance to make it sticky and sweet. The "unique" thing about nargile's that the "smoke" itself has taste. Whatever the flavor of the tobacco, the smoke tastes the same. I'm particularly fond of the mint flavor. Although cigarettes have been known to be extremely addictive, I can say that I'm not addicted to nargile at all. I suppose the nicotine and the tar's amount gets so reduced due to water that it's not enough to addict you to it. Not 100% sure. As for its history, it was invented by the ancient Ottomans. I'm not sure which sultan had demanded such an item as this, but I know that it got SO loved by everyone that almost everyone from the middle-east has one of these items know. Each call it something different. In Arabia, it's called Hookah, in Egypt it's called Shesha etc .. But I guess since the Ottomans found it, its original name should remain, which is Nargile of course. I hope this was helpful to you, if you've got any other questions, please feel free to ask ^_^

Erem,

Kadir is preparing one right now hehe. We bought the most lovely scenting apple flavor tabacco at Kemeraltı market!

It was oldfashioned at first, but has become really popluar among youth these days. I have seen many, many girls smoking nargile in İzmir, but I have to admit that most of them are kinda tacky. I dont smoke it because Im just against smoking, be it that its less harmful than cigarettes (something I kinda doubt because eventhough it gets filtered in the water, not all the damaging parts can be filtered and the amount of tabacoo used in one nargile is more than one fag.. ı really wonder about it), anyway, I love the smell of the smoke though!! ANd the sound is really calming!

I bought a laptop and we rented films so we are gonna watch them now, with tea and nargile and chocolates we got for Şeker bayram!! Im starting to feel really Turkish

Kadir just told me that the one he uses has the tabacco of 3 cigarettes inside it. You smoke it once a day for quite sometime, but an average smoker smokes more than 3 fags during the day..

There are however, nargiles that contain the tabacco of 50 cigrattes. No need to say that that is pretty harmful.

In Holland, nargiles can be served in coffeeshops with softdrugs in the tabacoo

nargile in istanbul;sultanahmet-beyazit, tophane...it is really good to enjoy nargile and place with many people