Hookahs in Iran

The hookah is most well known in Iran under the name “ghalyun”. This type of hookah is easily comparable to the Arabic hookah based on design and how it works but there are certain characteristics that make the Iranian hookah unique. One significant feature on the hookahs in Iran that is different than those in Turkey would be the size of the tobacco bowl as the one in Iran is much larger. As well the hose is flexible and has a silk or cloth placed over it but the design for hookahs in Turkey is different in sizing and appearance.

History of Water Pipes in Iran

Ever since the Qajar period there has been some sort of water pipe usage to smoke tobacco (referred to as “Khansar”). In the Qajar period the hoses were made with sugar cane but now various materials can be used to make the hose. No foil would be used when placing the charcoal on the Khansar. Khansar is a special type of tobacco mainly used in Iran and does not produce as much smoke as normal tobacco does.

Most of the younger generation in Iran smoke from hookahs and at local tea stores are usually filled with teenagers smoking from hookahs. The law for smoking hookahs in Iran changed slightly as the minimum age to use a hookah was set at twenty years old. Also remember that hookah etiquette is very important and some people may feel insulted if you hand them the hose with the mouthpiece pointing towards the receiver.