Sultan Kosen: Tallest Man's Search For A Wife & Family In Russia
Is it possible to defy the very boundaries of the human form and still yearn for the simple comforts of home and family? For Sultan Ksen, the world's tallest man, this is not merely a philosophical question but a daily reality, a testament to the complexities of life when one stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Born in Mardin, Turkey, on December 10, 1982, Sultan Ksen's life took a dramatically different trajectory than most. While his four siblings and parents, Abdulkadir and Cemile Ksen, are of average height, Sultan's growth was spurred by a pituitary tumor, leading to gigantism and acromegaly. This medical condition caused an overproduction of growth hormone, resulting in a height that would eventually shatter records. He first realized he was different at the age of nine. At the age of ten, the effects of 'pituitary gigantism' became more pronounced, changing his physique and ultimately, his life. He holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest living male, a title he secured after being measured at an astonishing 251 cm (8 ft 2.82 in). In 2009, he was measured at 246.5 cm (8 ft 1 in), officially becoming the tallest living man at the time, before breaking his own record in 2011.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sultan Ksen |
| Date of Birth | December 10, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Mardin, Turkey |
| Height | 251 cm (8 ft 2.82 in) |
| World Record | Tallest living male |
| Condition Causing Growth | Gigantism and Acromegaly due to pituitary tumor |
| Parents | Abdulkadir Ksen and Cemile Ksen |
| Siblings | Hasan Ksen, and another brother |
| Former Wife | Merve Dibo (Divorced 2021) |
| Other Records | Largest hands on a living person (28.5 cm each) |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Reference | Guinness World Records - Tallest Man Living |
Sultan's remarkable height has brought him global recognition, taking him from his humble beginnings to the world stage. He's traveled to numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, where he impressed teachers and pupils at Saint Michael's R.C. School in Twickenham, South West London. In September 16, 2009, the worlds tallest man, Sultan Kosen, from Turkey, posed for photographers next to school children at an event in London.
Despite his fame, Ksen, as he's affectionately known, grapples with challenges that are both unique and universal. He's a farmer by trade, and like many men in his village, he yearns for the traditional comforts of domestic life: a wife and children. He has said, I never imagined I would be in the book, I dreamed about it, but it was still a huge surprise." He also said he dreamed about domestic life.
His journey to find love hasn't been without its complexities. He married Merve Dibo, who is nine years younger and significantly shorter. However, the language barrier Ksen speaks Turkish while his ex-wife primarily speaks Arabic presented a significant hurdle. The pair divorced in 2021, citing the communication difficulties as a key factor. This experience highlights the difficulties of building a relationship when such essential elements of connection are missing. He said his biggest problem with his wife is communication.
In his quest for companionship and family, Ksen has also expressed a desire to find a wife from Russia. He's heard tales of Russian women's beauty and loving nature, and hopes to find a partner who can share his life and bear him a family. In his search for a bride, he had traveled from Turkey to Russia.
His height has also brought unique physical challenges. He holds the record for the largest hands on a living person, measuring 28.5 cm (11.22 in) from wrist to the tip of the middle finger. He has size 28 feet. This, combined with the acromegaly, means he has experienced difficulty in finding appropriately sized clothing and shoes, and requires specially adapted accommodations. Despite these difficulties, he continues to live as normal life as possible, attending events, and connecting with the world.
Ksen's story offers a compelling insight into resilience. It is a reminder that even when one's physical form sets them apart, the fundamental human desires for love, connection, and a sense of belonging remain constant. His life underscores the importance of acceptance, both of oneself and of others, as well as the pursuit of dreams despite any challenges that stand in the way.
The world has been captivated by Sultan Ksen's remarkable stature, a testament to the body's potential and the indomitable human spirit. It is a story of triumph over adversity and a reminder that even in the face of extraordinary differences, common humanity unites us.
His entry into the Guinness World Records family was, he claims, a dream come true. Speaking at the time of his entry into the guinness world records family, Sultan said:
"I never imagined i would be in the book, i dreamed about it, but it was still a huge surprise. sultan also holds the record for largest hands on a living person, each one measuring 28.5 cm (11.22 in) from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger."
Sultan Kosen, who is the tallest known man alive has traveled from turkey to russia in his search for a wife willing to bear him a son and a daughter.
