Tallest Person in the World: Record Height and Fascinating Facts
The Tallest Person in the World: Sultan Kösen
Have you ever wondered who holds the title of the tallest person in the world? Well, meet Sultan Kösen! In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Sultan Kösen, the man who towers above all others.
How Tall Is the Tallest Person in the World?
Sultan Kösen is currently the tallest living man in the world, standing at an incredible height of 251 cm (8 ft 2.82 in). He was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records for holding this title. His remarkable stature is due to a medical condition known as gigantism, which is caused by a tumor affecting the pituitary gland.
Who is Sultan Kösen?
Sultan Kösen was born on December 10, 1982, in the village of Alibey, Mardin Province, Turkey. He is of Kurdish descent on his father’s side and Arab descent on his mother’s side. Sultan’s significant height gain began in his childhood due to a condition known as gigantism, which resulted in him using crutches for mobility. Additionally, Sultan holds the record for the largest hands, measuring 28 cm (11 in) long.
What Challenges Does Sultan Kösen Face?
While being extraordinarily tall has its perks, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Sultan struggles to find clothing and shoes that fit his unique measurements; his feet were once measured at lengths of 36.5 cm (left) and 35.5 cm (right). Furthermore, he often faces difficulties fitting into standard-sized vehicles.
What Medical Treatments Has He Undergone?
In 2010, Sultan Kösen began receiving Gamma Knife treatment for his pituitary tumor at the University of Virginia Medical School. This treatment aimed to manage his excessive growth hormone levels. By March 2012, it was confirmed that the treatment had successfully halted his growth.
Is Sultan Kösen Married?
Yes, Sultan Kösen married Merve Dibo, who was born in Syria, in 2013. However, due to a language barrier (Sultan speaks Turkish while Merve speaks only Arabic), along with other personal reasons, the couple decided to divorce in 2021.
Notable Encounters and Events Involving Sultan Kösen
Sultan Kösen has been part of several unique events, including meeting Chandra Bahadur Dangi, the world’s shortest man ever recorded, in 2014. The height difference between them was an astounding 196.4 cm (6 ft 5.32 in). Sultan has also toured globally with the Magic Circus of Samoa and marked his 40th birthday by visiting Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum in the US, where he posed next to a statue of Robert Wadlow, the tallest man ever recorded at 272 cm (8 ft 11.1 in).
Vital Statistics of Sultan Kösen
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 251 cm (8 ft 2.82 in) |
| Birthdate | December 10, 1982 |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Condition | Gigantism and Acromegaly |
| Hand Length | 28 cm (11 in) |
| Foot Length | 36.5 cm (left), 35.5 cm (right) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Notable Events | Met with Chandra Bahadur Dangi (world’s shortest man), toured with Magic Circus of Samoa |
Sultan Kösen’s extraordinary height and life story continue to captivate people around the world. His journey is a fascinating mix of medical wonder and unique life experiences.
