Rumeysa Gelgi
World's tallest living woman (born in Turkey, 1997)
About Rumeysa Gelgi
Born 1997. Rumeysa Gelgi is a Turkish researcher, activist and advocate.
Rumeysa Gelgi (born 1 January 1997) is a Turkish advocate and web developer. Since 2021, she has been the tallest living woman recognised by Guinness World Records.
Gelgi also holds the following titles: the largest hands (female) — since 2022 the widest hand span (female) — since 2022 the longest fingers (female) — since 2022 the longest back (female) — since 2022 the longest ears (female) — since 2024 the longest baby (female) — since 2024 Gelgi holds the title of tallest living female, given by Guinness World Records. She is tall, and weighs 90 kg (198 lbs). She has unofficially been surpassed by Chinese professional basketball player Zhang Ziyu.
Gelgi lives in the Karabük province of Turkey. Her height is caused by Weaver syndrome, a rare condition which causes rapid growth and other physical abnormalities. It 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. To accommodate her, Turkish Airlines had to install a stretcher across six seats spanning three rows on one of their planes to make her trip from Istanbul to San Francisco possible. The event drew media attention and was shown 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. The meeting marked the celebration of Guinness World Records Day and the organisation's 70th anniversary. Gelgi and Amge's joint appearances in London received widespread media coverage and public interest.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Rumeysa Gelgi's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Rumeysa Gelgi's
Frequently asked questions
Who is Rumeysa Gelgi?
world's tallest living woman (born in Turkey, 1997)
When was Rumeysa Gelgi born?
Rumeysa Gelgi was born in 1997 in Karabük Province.
What is Rumeysa Gelgi's occupation?
Rumeysa Gelgi is a researcher, activist and advocate.
What nationality is Rumeysa Gelgi?
Rumeysa Gelgi is Turkish.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Rumeysa Gelgi. https://biography.guide/rumeysa-gelgi/
MLA: "Rumeysa Gelgi." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/rumeysa-gelgi/.
Chicago: "Rumeysa Gelgi." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/rumeysa-gelgi/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:20 UTC