Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing illicit about smoking a narghilè, the Turkish name for water pipe, also known as a hookah, hubble-bubble or shisha. Only tobacco (not hashish or any other drug) is used, and both men and women enjoy the ancient Turkish custom of smoking a narghilè, mainly in cafés. The word narghilè comes from the Persian word nargil, meaning “coconut,” since the first water pipes were made from dried coconut shells. Modern-day Turkish pipes consist of a glass body filled with water, a flexible hose with a detachable mouthpiece, and a tiny bowl on top of the pipe to hold plain or flavored tobacco.

Should you wish to smoke a narghilè, find a café that offers them. A staff member will prepare your pipe according to your choice of tobacco and give you a clean mouthpiece. Gently draw in the smoke, keeping the pipe on the floor, and savor the experience, which traditionally lasts several hours.