By: Peter Kandela Lancet
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Nargile rental? Political life in Lebanon is often heated and volatile, and during election campaigns politicians look for novel ways to attract support from voters. This year, a prospective candidate standing for election in the south of the country rented 200 nargile pipes(hookahs) from a cafe; owner as an incentive to members of the public to attend his rallies.
It was probably a successful strategy, because the nargile is enjoying a great rise in popularity throughout the Middle East. Consequently, rates of smoking in many countries in the region are on the increase, despite health-education programmes.
The nargile, also known as hookah, shisha, or hubbly bubbly, has a long and distinguished history which can be traced back to ancient India. During the past century, its use in the Arab world had declined to the point where it was mainly the preserve of elderly men in the poorer areas of cities. Old Egyptian films showed groups of men sipping mint tea or strong coffee in cafes and smoking for many hours.
Now, there has been a remarkable revival. If you walk down any street in Amman, Beirut, or Damascus, nargile cafes are proliferating and the success of business will depend on the availability and quality of the smoking experience on offer.
One year has elapsed since the execution of Casablanca's wali's decision to prohibit the use of the nargile in all public places. In Casablanca alone, 3000 cafés served narghile to its clients. Now they have to put up with the new law. .
The application of the new law has been firmly followed. Owners of cafés, who did not respect it, risked trial and even their cafés' being closed down.
An official of the Wilaya said that the public consumption of the nargile may cause the spread of contagious diseases such as tuberculosis.
On the other hand, several consumers reject this decision and described the pipe as “an essential element of the art of living” since it helps one to relax, thanks to the sound of bubbles and smoke.
The hubble bubble, is known by different names and is a culture exported from the Middle East, namely from Egypt. Originally, the hookah was invented in Turkey where coconut husks were used. Later, the pipe was perfected in design in Egypt.
