7 Astonishing Facts About Rumeysa Gelgi: The World's Tallest Woman Alive (Updated 2025)
The title of 'World's Tallest Woman Living' belongs to Rumeysa Gelgi, a remarkable Turkish advocate and web developer whose story is far more compelling than her astonishing 7-foot stature. As of December 2025, Gelgi continues to hold the Guinness World Record, using her global platform to raise vital awareness for rare genetic conditions and inspire millions around the globe. Her life is a testament to resilience, technological empowerment, and shattering perceived limitations.
The latest updates on Rumeysa Gelgi’s life highlight her transition from a local record holder to an international figure, including her groundbreaking first-ever flight and her ambitious goals for 2025. Her journey provides a unique lens into the medical and personal realities of living with extreme height, making her a true giant of inspiration.
Rumeysa Gelgi: Biography and Current Records
Rumeysa Gelgi’s life has been defined by extraordinary growth and a spirit that refuses to be confined. Her official height measurement confirms her status as the tallest living woman, a title she has used to become a powerful voice for change. Below are the key biographical and record-holding facts about the world-renowned figure:
- Full Name: Rumeysa Gelgi
- Nationality: Turkish
- Date of Birth: January 1, 1997
- Current Height: 215.16 cm (7 ft 0.7 in)
- Place of Residence: Karabük Province, Turkey
- Medical Condition: Weaver Syndrome (a rare genetic disorder causing rapid growth)
- Occupation: Web Developer, Advocate, Public Speaker
- Guinness World Records (GWR) Titles Held:
- Tallest Woman Living (Confirmed 2021)
- Tallest Teenager Living (Female) (Confirmed 2014)
- Largest Hands on a Living Person (Female)
- Longest Back on a Living Person (Female)
- Longest Foot on a Living Person (Female)
- Longest Finger on a Living Person (Female)
Gelgi’s official height was measured and confirmed by Guinness World Records in 2021, cementing her place in history.
The Medical Reality: Understanding Weaver Syndrome
Rumeysa Gelgi's remarkable height is not due to typical familial genetics but is the result of a rare and complex medical condition known as Weaver Syndrome. This condition is far more than just "being tall"; it involves a constellation of symptoms that Gelgi has bravely managed throughout her life.
What is Weaver Syndrome?
Weaver syndrome is a very rare genetic overgrowth condition, often caused by germline mutations in the EZH2 gene. It is characterized primarily by rapid growth acceleration beginning before birth, leading to a significantly taller stature compared to peers.
Beyond the extreme height, individuals with Weaver Syndrome often present with distinctive physical features, including macrocephaly (an unusually large head), a broad forehead, and distinctive facial characteristics.
The condition also frequently involves skeletal and motor issues. For Gelgi, this has meant that mobility is challenging; she primarily uses a wheelchair and occasionally walks with the aid of a walking frame. She has also been a vocal advocate for scoliosis awareness, a common complication of her overgrowth condition, demonstrating her commitment to helping others facing similar health battles.
Breaking Barriers: Advocacy, Technology, and Her First Flight
Rumeysa Gelgi has leveraged her global fame not for personal gain, but to become a powerful advocate for positivity, acceptance, and technological accessibility. Her work as a web developer and her public speaking engagements focus on empowering individuals with rare genetic disorders and promoting digital inclusion.
The Groundbreaking First Flight
One of the most significant and recent milestones in Gelgi’s life was taking her first-ever flight in late 2022. Due to her height and the need to lie down to maintain spinal alignment, commercial travel was previously impossible.
Turkish Airlines, the flagship carrier of Türkiye, stepped in to make her dream a reality. The airline modified a section of the plane, removing six economy seats to accommodate a specially designed stretcher, allowing her to travel in a horizontal position for the 13-hour journey from Istanbul, Türkiye, to California, USA. This event was a major news story, highlighting the challenges of accessibility and showcasing a powerful example of corporate accommodation and human ingenuity.
A Platform for Global Advocacy
Gelgi views her world records as a platform, not a limitation. She actively uses her voice to combat the stigma surrounding visible differences and overgrowth conditions. Her advocacy work is closely tied to her profession as a web developer; she believes in the power of technology to connect and support people, especially those with mobility challenges or rare diseases.
By openly discussing her life with Weaver Syndrome, her multiple Guinness World Records (she holds six GWR titles in total), and her daily challenges, she provides a beacon of hope and a face for the rare disease community.
Historical Context: Who Was the Tallest Woman Ever?
While Rumeysa Gelgi is the undisputed tallest woman alive today, her height is often compared to historical figures whose statures were even more immense. The record for the "Tallest Woman Ever" is a fascinating, if sometimes disputed, historical entity.
The most widely accepted and medically verified record holder for the tallest woman in history is Zeng Jinlian (China). Born in 1964, Zeng Jinlian reached a verifiable height of 246.3 cm (8 ft 1 in) before her passing in 1982.
Another often-cited figure is the Dutch woman Trijntje Cornelisdochter Keever, who lived in the 17th century. Historical accounts claim she reached an astonishing 260 cm (8 ft 6 in), but this record remains unverified by modern medical standards and Guinness World Records due to the lack of definitive documentation.
Comparing these figures to Gelgi (7 ft 0.7 in) provides a powerful perspective on the extreme rarity of such overgrowth conditions, illustrating that Gelgi’s height is at the very highest end of human biological possibility for a living person today.
Rumeysa Gelgi's Enduring Legacy and Future Goals
As Rumeysa Gelgi moves forward, her focus remains on her advocacy and professional development. Her story is a powerful reminder that world records are not just about numbers; they are about the human spirit and the ability to turn a unique challenge into a source of global inspiration. Her continued work as a web developer also highlights a modern shift: using digital skills to overcome physical limitations and connect with the world.
The world's tallest woman has set exciting goals for 2025, continuing to be a visible and articulate champion for those with rare conditions. Her journey—from a small town in Turkey to the global stage—is a compelling narrative of strength, adaptability, and the boundless potential of a determined individual.
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