The hookah was invented in Persia in the fifteen hundreds A. D. Hookah pipes, or hubble bubble have many different names in different parts of the world. Known in Arabic as shisah or sometimes the nargeela, it is also called the lula, meaning "pipe", in eastern Europe. Nargeela or nargileh is derived from the Sanskrit word narikela. Narikela means coconut and may suggest that originally the water pipe was made out of coconut shells. Lula means pipe, more generally.

In English it is called the hookah, the Indian name for the water pipe. Because of British domination of the Indian subcontinent and the consequent distribution of Indian culture throughout the West, this is the name that has stuck.

It is made up of several distinct parts. On top of the device is the bowl, usually made of clay or marble. This is where the tobacco is placed. Traditionally it is filled with tobacco and then topped with perforated aluminum or a metal or glass screen. On top of the screen is placed hot coals which are used to heat the tobacco so that it is vaporized for inhalation. The coals are separated from the tobacco to prevent it from burning.

A windscreen around the bowl is also common. Usually with air holes, it is meant to limit the amount of oxygen getting to the coals and tobacco so that it is not consumed too quickly or allowed to get too hot.

A hose or tube is used to draw smoke from the body of the pipe into the lungs of the smoker. It is usually tipped with a brass, wood or plastic mouthpiece. Some may be fitted with two or even several hoses for simultaneous smoking.

The water jar, the base and raison d'etre of the water pipe serves to cool and humidify the smoke for easy consumption. The water jar, typically made of glass, but of other substances as well can be filled with water, fruit juice or some combination of water, mint leaves or fruit to add flavor to the smoke and to increase enjoyment of the smoking experience.

Finally the purge valve, consisting of a ball bearing enclosed by a knurled, threaded ring is positioned to allow stale smoke from inattention to be released from the water jar.

The nargeel is operated by filling the jar with water deep enough to submerge the base tube (the tube extending down from the bowl) a few centimeters. Submerging the tube too deeply will make it difficult to draw air through the water. With tobacco and coals placed in the bowl, the smoker draws air through the tube which pulls the smoke down through the water. This cools, humidifies and sometimes flavors the smoke which then passes through the tube to the mouth of the smoker.

Hookah smoking is very common throughout the Arab world. In Syria for example, one can be found on nearly every corner. It is not uncommon for women or even on-duty police to stop and socialize around the hookah throughout the day. A gathering place for socializing, people may enjoy a game of backgammon or cards while sipping tea and pulling off the water pipe.