Abdulkadir Kösen, widely recognized as Sultan Kösen, holds the title of the world’s tallest living man according to the Guinness World Records. His remarkable height has not only brought him global fame but also provided a unique platform to inspire and educate others. Beyond his towering stature, Sultan’s life story is one of resilience, adaptation, and a journey that has spanned from rural Turkey to international recognition.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Sultan Kösen was born on December 10, 1982, in Mardin, a small town in southeastern Turkey. He belongs to a Turkish-Kurdish ethnic background and holds Turkish nationality. Sultan grew up in a farming family with three brothers and one sister. His father, Abdulkadir Kösen, and mother, Cemile Kösen, played significant roles in his early life. Despite the challenges posed by his height, Sultan’s upbringing was marked by close family ties and a deep connection to his roots.
Childhood and Growth
Sultan’s extraordinary growth began at the age of 10, a result of a condition known as acromegaly, caused by a tumor affecting his pituitary gland. This led to an overproduction of growth hormone, which eventually resulted in his record-breaking height of 8 feet 2.8 inches (251 cm). Due to his towering stature, Sultan faced numerous challenges during his childhood, including difficulties with mobility and adapting to daily tasks. His height also prevented him from completing his education, leading him to work on the family farm.
Career and Achievements
World Record and Global Recognition
Sultan’s life changed dramatically in 2009 when he was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest living man. This recognition brought him international fame, leading to appearances on television shows, documentaries, and public events worldwide. Sultan’s unique condition and inspiring story captivated audiences, making him a sought-after figure for public speaking engagements and awareness campaigns.
Public Appearances and Advocacy
Sultan Kösen’s career evolved beyond farming as he embraced his role as an advocate for individuals with unique medical conditions. He has traveled extensively, sharing his experiences and promoting awareness about acromegaly and other growth disorders. His public appearances, including participation in the Magic Circus of Samoa, have allowed him to connect with diverse audiences and inspire others facing similar challenges.
Personal Challenges and Triumphs
Despite the global recognition, Sultan’s life has not been without personal struggles. His height has posed significant challenges in terms of mobility, finding suitable clothing, and fitting into everyday environments. However, Sultan’s resilience and positive outlook have helped him navigate these obstacles. In 2010, he underwent Gamma Knife therapy to treat his pituitary tumor, which successfully halted his growth.
Relationships and Personal Life
Marriage and Divorce
In 2013, Sultan Kösen married Merve Dibo, a Syrian woman, in a highly publicized wedding. The couple’s relationship garnered media attention due to the significant height difference between them, with Merve standing at an average height. Despite the initial joy, the couple faced challenges, primarily due to language barriers, as Sultan spoke Turkish while Merve spoke Arabic. This communication gap contributed to their eventual divorce in 2021, after eight years of marriage. Sultan has expressed his desire to find love again and hopes to remarry in the future.
Current Life and Aspirations
Sultan currently resides in the village of Dedeköy in Turkey’s Aydın Province, where he continues to live a relatively quiet life. Despite his towering stature and global fame, Sultan remains deeply connected to his roots, often engaging in farming and spending time with his family. He dreams of one day starting a family and passing on the lessons he has learned from his extraordinary life.
Net Worth
Sultan Kösen’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million as of 2023. His income primarily comes from public appearances, endorsements, and his work in the entertainment industry. While he initially worked as a farmer, his global recognition has opened up various financial opportunities, allowing him to secure a more comfortable lifestyle.
Physical Characteristics
Height and Body Measurements
Sultan Kösen’s height is his most distinguishing feature, standing at an incredible 8 feet 2.8 inches (251 cm). His hands, measuring 28.5 cm (11.2 inches), and his feet, with sizes 36.5 cm (14.4 inches) and 35.5 cm (14 inches) for his left and right feet respectively, are also record-breaking. Despite his massive build, Sultan maintains a relatively healthy weight of around 168 kg (370 lbs).
Ethnicity and Cultural Identity
Sultan Kösen’s ethnic background is Turkish-Kurdish, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of southeastern Turkey. His identity is deeply rooted in the traditions and customs of his homeland, which continue to influence his worldview and interactions with others. Sultan takes pride in his heritage and often speaks about the importance of preserving cultural values in the face of global change.
Legacy and Impact
Sultan Kösen’s story is one of overcoming adversity and embracing one’s uniqueness. His life journey serves as an inspiration to many, particularly those facing challenges related to health and physical differences. Through his public appearances and advocacy work, Sultan has helped to raise awareness about growth disorders and the importance of medical intervention.
Beyond his role as a record-holder, Sultan’s legacy lies in his ability to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. His story transcends physical appearance, highlighting the universal themes of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit.
Social Media Presence
Sultan Kösen maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares updates about his life, travels, and public appearances. His Instagram account, @sultankosen47, is a popular platform where fans can connect with him and follow his journey.
Conclusion
Sultan Kösen’s life is a testament to the extraordinary possibilities that can arise from unique circumstances. His towering height, while a defining characteristic, is just one aspect of a life filled with challenges, triumphs, and global impact. As he continues to inspire others with his story, Sultan remains a symbol of resilience and the ability to overcome life’s obstacles.
Table of Information
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Abdulkadir Kösen |
| Known As | Sultan Kösen |
| Date of Birth | December 10, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Mardin, Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Ethnicity | Turkish-Kurdish |
| Height | 8 feet 2.8 inches (251 cm) |
| Weight | 168 kg (370 lbs) |
| Occupation | Public Speaker, Farmer, Guinness World Record Holder |
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 million |
| Marital Status | Divorced (formerly married to Merve Dibo) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @sultankosen47 |
This comprehensive look into the life of Sultan Kösen showcases the remarkable journey of a man who turned his unique condition into a platform for inspiration and advocacy.
