Have you ever wondered what it is like to see the world from over eight feet high? For a farmer from a small village in Turkey, standing far above the rest of humanity is an everyday reality. Born in 1982, this man did not start out unusually large, but a rare medical condition caused him to grow at an uncontrollable rate.
He eventually reached a staggering 251 centimeters (8 feet 2.8 inches) tall, earning him the Guinness World Record. His journey includes significant physical hardships, groundbreaking medical treatments, and unexpected international fame.
A Childhood Altered by a Pituitary Tumor
Sultan Kösen was born on December 10, 1982, in the rural village of Alibey, located in the Mardin Province of Turkey. During his early years, he experienced entirely normal physical development. However, around the age of ten, his body underwent a drastic change.
He developed a tumor that pressed directly against his pituitary gland. This condition, known as pituitary gigantism and acromegaly, caused a massive overproduction of growth hormone. As a result, Kösen grew at a rapid, abnormal pace. His extreme height prevented him from completing his formal education, leading him to work part-time as a farmer to support his family.
The Daily Logistics of Record-Breaking Size
Living at such an unprecedented size presents distinct logistical obstacles. Finding clothing is a constant struggle. His legs measure 126 centimeters (49.6 inches), and his arms require a sleeve length of 97 centimeters (38.2 inches). Furthermore, he possesses the largest hands of any living person, measuring exactly 28.5 centimeters (11.2 inches) from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger.
Fitting into a standard-sized vehicle is practically impossible. Because his massive frame places severe stress on his bones and joints, Kösen must use crutches to walk safely. However, he does note some practical benefits to his stature, such as effortlessly changing lightbulbs and hanging curtains.
Groundbreaking Medical Treatment in America
By 2010, the continuous overproduction of growth hormone posed severe risks to his health. To address the tumor, he traveled to the United States to receive specialized care at the University of Virginia Medical School. Doctors utilized a targeted radiation therapy called Gamma Knife surgery.
Combined with medications to control his hormone levels, the complex procedure proved highly successful. By March 2012, medical professionals officially confirmed that his abnormal growth had finally stopped.
Stepping Out Onto the Global Stage
Since being officially recognized by Guinness World Records, Kösen has traveled the globe. In 2013, he married Syrian-born Merve Dibo, though they later divorced in 2021 due to a language barrier. In 2014, he joined the Magic Circus of Samoa and toured various countries.
That same year in London, he met Chandra Bahadur Dangi, the shortest man ever recorded at just 54.6 centimeters (1 foot 9.5 inches). Today, Kösen continues making public appearances as the seventh tallest verified person in human history.