The hookah, one of Turkey’s most time-honored cultural traditions, has been an integral part of our social life for centuries. So, when did the hookah first become popular in Turkey, and how did it reach its current status? The answer to this question dates back to the golden age of the Ottoman Empire.

Hookah culture in Turkey has become not just a drinking habit, but also a symbol of socializing, conversation, and friendship. This tradition, which began in court circles in the 16th century, has spread over time to all segments of society and has become an indispensable element of Turkish culture.

The grandfather of Yusuf Tekdemir, founder of YTShisha.com—one of today’s leading companies in the hookah industry—laid the foundations for hookah production in Turkey as far back as 1967. This long-standing history highlights the deep-rooted tradition of hookah in Turkey and its ever-growing popularity. This family tradition, spanning three generations, demonstrates just how firmly established hookah is in Turkish society.

The popularity of the hookah has been shaped by different reasons and dynamics across various periods. This journey—spanning from the court culture of the Ottoman era to the transformations of the Republic’s modernization process, and from the café culture of the 1990s to the social media era of the 2000s—serves as a mirror to Turkey’s social and cultural changes.

Keywords: history of the hookah, hookah in Turkey, popularity of the hookah, Ottoman hookah, hookah culture, hookah cafes, the hookah industry, traditional hookah, hookah production, YTShisha

The Introduction of the Hookah to Turkey During the Ottoman Period

16. The Century: First Steps in the Palace Environs

The hookah first arrived in Turkey from the Indian subcontinent in the 16th century. Initially popular only among high-ranking government officials and wealthy merchants at the Ottoman court, the hookah soon became a symbol of social status.

17-18. The Century: Widespread Adoption Across All Segments of Society

During this period, the hookah spread beyond palace circles and began to be used in coffeehouses and homes. Smoking the hookah, particularly in Istanbul’s historic coffeehouses, became an indispensable part of intellectual conversations.

The Status of the Hookah During the Republican Era

Change in the Process of Modernization

Following the proclamation of the Republic, the hookah culture underwent a transformation alongside Turkey’s modernization efforts. As traditional customs were called into question during this period, the hookah was also affected by this change.

1950-1980 A Period of Silence

During these years, the popularity of the hookah declined somewhat, and it came to be preferred mainly by the older generation. However, this was not a period when the hookah disappeared entirely, but rather one in which it quietly continued to exist.

1990’: The Rise of Hookah Cafes

The Emergence of Next-Generation Spaces

1990’The 2000s marked a period when hookah culture began to experience a resurgence. The modern hookah cafes that opened during this time enabled the younger generation to rediscover this tradition.

The Hookah as a Means of Socializing

During this period, the hookah has become not just a drink, but also a way to spend time with friends, chat, and relax.

2000’After the Event: Hookah Explosion

The Impact of Technology and Social Media

2000’The widespread adoption of the internet and social media in recent years has contributed to the rapid spread of hookah culture. Photos of hookahs shared on Instagram and other social media platforms have boosted the popularity of this culture.

The Professionalization of the Industry

During this period, professional companies such as YTShisha.com have made significant contributions to the industry’s development. Operating since 1967 and manufacturing hookahs for three generations, this company has become one of the industry’s leading organizations, with 15 branches and 5 factories across Turkey.

The Popularity of Hookah Today

Modern Hookah Culture

Today, the hookah has adapted to modern lifestyles while preserving its traditional roots. High-quality tobacco, innovative designs, and hygienic conditions have become essential elements of the modern hookah experience.

The Economic Dimension of the Sector

The hookah industry generates significant economic value today. Established companies such as YTShisha.com operate in both domestic and international markets, introducing Turkish hookah culture to the world.

The hookah has a long-standing history in Turkey, dating back to the 16th century and continuing to the present day. This tradition, which began in the Ottoman palaces, has enjoyed varying levels of popularity throughout the centuries. The hookah culture, which began to experience a resurgence particularly in the 1990s, reached its peak in the 2000s.

Today, thanks to well-established companies like YTShisha.com, the hookah industry offers world-class service in terms of both quality and variety. This family tradition, which has spanned three generations, demonstrates just how deeply rooted hookah culture is in Turkey.

The popularity of the hookah has evolved beyond being merely a drinking habit to become an important vehicle for socializing and the transmission of culture and tradition. It is predicted that it will maintain this popularity in the future and continue to be passed down to new generations.