Walk a few decades back in time, and you will find an apparatus very similar. Through the thatch structured cottages, sits a dense cloud of sweet smelling smoke diffusing across as the bubbling sound repeats in sequence. Gudugudaa (English: Hookah) has been part of Maldivian leisure, especially amongst women.

It is not surprising to see an old woman sitting in traditional Libaas, having a puff of smoke outside. The Gudugudaa burns tobacco while the smoke is run through water for purification before reaching the lungs. Even after cigarettes were introduced, Gudugudaa didn’t leave homes becoming part of Maldivian culture to this day. Now trending as ‘Sheesha’ in local cafés, it is popular amongst the Maldivian youth all across the country.

Even though the contents of the modern Sheesha is different from the traditional Gududugaa, it still symbolizes the culture – a true nostalgic moment to the past.

Photo credits: Michael Friedel