Sultan Kosen – The tallest man in the world
As documented in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records, the current titleholder for the world's tallest individual is none other than Sultan Kosen, a Turkish gentleman who also engages in part-time farming. Remarkably, Sultan stands at a towering height of 8 feet 2.82 inches, which equates to a staggering 251 centimeters. Not only does he hold the distinction of being the planet's tallest man, but he also ranks among the heaviest individuals globally, tipping the scales at nearly 500 pounds, equivalent to a formidable 226.8 kilograms. Furthermore, Sultan Kosen possesses an additional record, boasting the largest hands among all living persons, with a remarkable measurement of 11.22 inches, extending from the wrist to the apex of the middle finger.
A look into Sultan Kosen’s life
Sultan Kosen, a remarkable individual, entered this world on the 10th of December in 1982, in the vibrant city of Mardin, nestled in the southeastern region of Turkey. His journey through life took an extraordinary turn owing to his towering stature, offering a childhood experience like no other. The challenges he encountered along the way shaped a unique narrative, one that unfolded against the backdrop of dreams unfulfilled and unexpected opportunities.
Sultan's pursuit of education and the stability of a conventional job faced formidable obstacles, as his towering presence was a constant reminder of his exceptional physical attributes. To support his family, he took up the role of a part-time farmer, laboring tirelessly to make ends meet in a world designed for individuals of more typical dimensions.
His perspective on life is peppered with intriguing insights into the advantages and drawbacks of being exceptionally tall. Standing at well over 8 feet, Sultan enjoys an unparalleled vantage point, granting him the ability to see far and wide. His towering presence has proven invaluable in assisting his family with various domestic tasks, offering a unique perspective on everyday life. However, this extraordinary height also comes with its own set of challenges.
The simple act of finding suitable clothing and footwear becomes a monumental task for Sultan. The limitations imposed by his stature extend to the world of transportation, where fitting into an average-sized car becomes a daily conundrum. These everyday struggles paint a picture of the extraordinary life Sultan Kosen leads, where the world is both his canvas and his challenge.
While genetics often plays a pivotal role in determining an individual's height, Sultan's story takes an unexpected twist. Surprisingly, within his family, including his parents, siblings, and other relatives, the norm of average height prevails, leaving his towering presence as an enigmatic exception in their midst.
Sultan Kosen's life is a testament to the extraordinary journeys that individuals with unique attributes undertake. His story is a reminder that even in the face of towering challenges, one can find the strength to rise above and carve a path that is uniquely their own
Sultan Kosen (Source: guinnessworldrecords.com)
What makes him so tall?
Sultan Kosen's towering stature, reaching well over 8 feet, is a result of a medical condition known as "pituitary gigantism." This condition arises from an excessive production of growth hormone levels within the body, setting in motion a remarkable transformation that has made him an exceptional figure in the world of human biology. The consequences of this overproduction manifest in the thickening of his bones, which, in turn, have sculpted him into the colossal man he is today.
However, it's important to note that despite his immense size, Sultan's physical strength may not align with the common perception of a giant. To facilitate his mobility and maintain balance and support for his body, he relies on the assistance of crutches. These tools aid him in moving more comfortably and navigating the challenges presented by his extraordinary height.
Sultan Kosen's journey is a testament to the intricacies of the human body and the extraordinary ways in which it can adapt and evolve in response to unique medical conditions. His story serves as a reminder that behind every exceptional individual lies a complex interplay of biology and circumstance that shapes their remarkable existence.
Will he continue growing?
Indeed, his growth trajectory could have endured to this day had it not been for the crucial brain surgery he underwent. However, this continuous increase in height posed a significant threat to both his physical well-being and emotional equilibrium. Fortunately, in 2010, he underwent a Gamma Knife procedure, designed to curb the excessive release of growth hormones within his system. This intervention, in turn, halted his relentless upward climb in stature, finally bringing it to a halt in 2012
Unique experiences in his life
After being recognized by people worldwide, Sultan Kosen has opened up to lead a happier life.
Getting married
In 2013, Sultan married Merve Dibo, who is ten years younger than him and 5 feet 9 inches (175 centimeters). She traveled from her home in Syria to his village in Turkey to meet him, and then they were married two months later. Their wedding party had over 1,500 guests, including local dignitaries and a representative from Guinness World Records. However, they divorced in 2021, citing the language barrier as one of the most important issues.
Meeting new people
In 2014, Sultan first met with Chandra Bahadur Dangi, the world’s shortest man ever (1 foot 10 inches – 54.6 centimeters) at an event in London. Also, he participated in the Magic Cirus of Samoa and other shows around the world.
In 2016, he joined as a part of the film Achieving the Impossible.
Having shocking photos
Since Sultan Kosen was recognized as the tallest person in the world, his image has appeared on many forums. And you easily find shocking photos on the Internet.
Sultan Kosen cannot stretch out on a two-seat couch as much as most people because of his long legs.(Source: guinnessworldrecords.com)
He could shake hands with the people on the top of the double-decker bus. (Source: guinnessworldrecords.com)
A red telephone box in the UK stands at about 8 feet (243.84 centimeters). But if he wants to get inside, he needs to crouch down. (Source: guinnessworldrecords.com)
A canned drink is about 4.5 inches (11.52 centimeters) tall, which goes to show how big his hands really are. (Source: guinnessworldrecords.com)
Sultan Kosen’s current life
Since he became a Guinness World Records title holder, he has done so many of the dreams he wanted. He got the free life-saving medical treatment that prevented him from growing any taller, switched the farm for Hollywood, and found love. He also has plans for the future, like earning a Ph.D. in Marine Engineering as well as building schools and hospitals for poor children in Turkey and India. Overall, his story continues to inspire many people all over the world.
More about other tallest people in the world right now
Brahim Takioullah
He is the second tallest living person in the world, coming from Guelmim, Morocco. He is 8 feet 1 inch (246 centimeters) and also holds a record for the largest feet on Earth.
Morteza Mehrzad Selakjani and Dharmendra Pratap Singh
Both of them have the same height, 8 feet 1 inch (246 centimeters). While Morteza is known as an athlete who plays for Iran’s men’s national sitting volleyball team, Dharmendra is known as the tallest man in India.
Zhang Juncai
He is the tallest man in China, standing at an enormous height of 7 feet 11 inches (242 centimeters).
Asadullah Khan
He is another tallest man in India, with a height of 7 feet 11 inches (241 centimeters). Interestingly, his family members are just 5 feet tall, so it does not relate to a family thing.
Naseer Soomro
He measures 7 feet 10 inches (238 centimeters) and is believed as the tallest living person in Pakistan. He is not only a tall man but also talented and well-versed. He graduated from Mehran University, had a bachelor’s as an Engineer in metallurgy, and was a popular author of poetry books.
Bao Xishun
At a frame height of 7 feet 9 inches (236 centimeters), Bao Xishun is another tallest man in China. Interestingly, he seemed to be growing normally until he was 16, after which his height saw huge changes.
Sun Mingming
Like Bao Xishun, Sun Mingming has the same height and was formally a professional basketball player. It is believed he is the tallest player in the world. He is married to Xu Yan, who is 6 feet 1 inch (185.4 centimeters). And their marriage is known as the tallest married couple in the world.
Final words
One's height is undeniably a remarkable attribute, a gift that fills others with awe when they are fortunate enough to encounter someone tall. Beyond enhancing physical presence, it leaves an enduring and impactful mark on everyone we meet. If you are among the privileged few blessed with such a gift, consider yourself truly fortunate.
- Related post: Does your weight affect your height growth?
