Rumeysa Gelgi

Lore & Background

Rumeysa Gelgi lives in the Karabük province of Turkey. Her height of 215.16 cm (7 ft 0.71 in) and weight of 90 kg (198 lbs) are caused by Weaver syndrome, a rare condition that causes rapid growth and other physical abnormalities and affects men three times more than women. Because of her condition, she usually uses a wheelchair to move but is able to walk short distances with a walker.

On 28 September 2022, Gelgi flew on an airplane for the first time in her life. Turkish Airlines installed a stretcher across six seats spanning three rows on one of their planes to accommodate her trip from Istanbul to San Francisco. The event drew media attention and was featured in a Guinness World Records documentary titled Rumeysa: Walking Tall. On 21 November 2024, she met Jyoti Amge, the shortest woman in the world, for the first time at the Savoy Hotel in London, England, to celebrate Guinness World Records Day and the organization's 70th anniversary.

Reader's Guide

Rumeysa Gelgi's significance lies in her status as the tallest living woman, a title she has held since 2021, and her accumulation of multiple Guinness World Records, including largest hands, widest hand span, longest fingers, longest back, longest ears, and longest baby (all female). Her condition, Weaver syndrome, is rare and affects men more often than women, making her case notable for medical and record-keeping purposes. Her first airplane flight in 2022, facilitated by a specially installed stretcher, and her 2024 meeting with the world's shortest woman, Jyoti Amge, generated widespread media coverage and public interest, highlighting the human stories behind extreme physical measurements. Although she has unofficially been surpassed by Chinese basketball player Zhang Ziyu, Gelgi remains the official record holder. Her life and advocacy work, combined with her web development career, illustrate how individuals with rare conditions can achieve recognition and inspire public curiosity about human diversity.

Did You Know?

• Rumeysa Gelgi's height is 215.16 cm (7 ft 0.71 in) and she weighs 90 kg (198 lbs).
• She holds the Guinness World Records for largest hands, widest hand span, longest fingers, longest back, and longest ears (all female).
• Her first airplane flight was on 28 September 2022, with Turkish Airlines installing a stretcher across six seats spanning three rows.