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The Tallest Man in the World: Meet Sultan Kösen, His Record-Breaking Height, Wife & Family

Sultan Kösen, a farmer from Turkey, holds the world record as the tallest living man, according to Guinness World Records

Published By: Nisha Srivastava
Last Updated: October 30, 2025 11:49:51 IST

Sultan Kösen, a farmer from Turkey, holds the world record as the tallest living man, according to Guinness World Records. he stands at an astonishing 251 cm (8 ft 2.8 in) tall, making him not only the tallest person alive but also the seventh tallest human in recorded history.

Who is the tallest man in the world?

The world’s tallest man is Sultan Kosen.

Guinness World Record Recognition for World Tallest Man

In 2009, Sultan became the first man in more than 20 years to officially measure over 8 feet tall. At that time, Guinness World Records confirmed his height as 246.5 cm (8 ft 1 in).  Two years later, during another measurement in Ankara, Turkey, his height had increased even more  reaching 251 cm (8 ft 2.8 in). Guinness World Records has confirmed only ten reliable cases in history of people reaching 8 feet or more, making Sultan’s height truly extraordinary.

How much is the height of the World Tallest Man

Sultan Kösen’s height is 2.51 meters (8 ft 2.82 in). He holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest living male. 

Early Life and Growth  of the World Tallest Man

Sultan began his massive growth spurt when he was just 10 years old. Interestingly, all of his parents and four siblings are of average height. His exceptional height is the result of a medical condition called pituitary gigantism, caused by the overproduction of growth hormone due to a tumour in the pituitary gland, located in the brain. This condition not only increased his height but also led to large hands, thick bones, and joint pain. Because of his size, Sultan was unable to complete his education and started working as a farmer to support his family.

The World Tallest Man, Sultan Kösen wife

Sultan Kösen’s ex-wife is Merve Dibo, a Syrian woman he married in 2013. The couple divorced in 2021, citing the language barrier between them (he speaks Turkish, she speaks Arabic) as a major issue.  

The World Tallest Man, Sultan Kösen wife height

Sultan Kösen’s wife, Merve Dibo, is 5’8″ (about 173 cm) tall. 

The World Tallest Man, Sultan Kösen Age

Sultan Kösen was born on 10 December 1982. He is 42 years old.

The World Tallest Man, Sultan Kösen Weight

Sultan Kösen’s exact weight in kilograms is not consistently reported in a single source, but a common estimate places him around 130 kg. His weight can fluctuate due to his height and the associated health conditions. 

The World Tallest Man, Sultan Kösen Children

As of late 2021, Sultan Kösen did not have any children. In fact, he was actively looking for a new wife who would bear him children. 

The World Tallest Man, Sultan Kösen Shoe Size

Sultan Kösen’s Shoe size is 22 and 60

The World Tallest Man, Sultan Kösen Medical Condition

Medical condition: Kösen’s height is a result of pituitary gigantism caused by a tumor. His growth was halted in 2012 after receiving medical treatment

How did , The World Tallest Man, Sultan Kösen get so tall?

Kösen’s growth resulted from the conditions gigantism and acromegaly, caused by a tumour affecting his pituitary gland. Due to his condition, he uses crutches to walk.

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