The word
mangal is derived from the
Arabic word
manqal () meaning "portable" and originally referred to portable heaters, or braziers, used by
Bedouin to warm tents during the cold desert evenings. The Arabic word is thought to be a Greek loanword, , meaning '
brazier'. The portability of heating equipment (as well as all other belongings) is vital for the Bedouins' nomadic lifestyle. Heating mangal are widely used in light climates where the ambient temperature does not drop too much. They are used as light indoor or outdoor heaters similar to
stoves. Today, mangal-type heaters are still available either as camping equipment, functional furniture or decorative furniture. ==Description==