Amanze ChinonyeMeet Rumeysa Gelgi, the world’s tallest woman, standing at an astonishing 7ft 0.7 inches tall. Rumeysa’s life is a constant battle against the odds.
The 28-year-old, who lives in the Karabük province of Turkey, typically moves around in a wheelchair or with the aid of a walker, but despite her physical limitations, she’s determined to explore the world. Her huge stature is the result of a condition called Weaver syndrome, which, among other things, causes accelerated growth.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFor Rumeysa, flying is a daunting task. Due to her extraordinary height, she can’t fit into regular airplane seats. To accommodate her needs, Turkish Airlines removes six seats from the plane and replaces them with a special stretcher, allowing her to lie flat during the flight. But this luxury comes at a price – literally. Rumeysa has to pay for all six seats, a costly endeavour that highlights the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
She made her first air travel in September 2022 from San Francisco to California – a journey she described as ‘flawless from start to finish.’
Since then, the freelance web developer has travelled at least once a year with the national airline, which is one of the few airlines that offer the stretcher service.
Rumeysa’s travels have taken her to the US, UK, Spain, and Italy, but each journey is a logistical nightmare. She must arrive at the airport four hours early, meet with medical staff, and navigate the complexities of air travel with limited mobility. Despite these hurdles, Rumeysa remains undeterred, driven by a desire to experience the world’s wonders.
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However, her biggest frustration lies in the lack of accessibility at many famous landmarks and old buildings. Rumeysa longs to connect with history, but safety concerns and inaccessible infrastructure often force her to skip these experiences. “Everyone deserves the chance to connect with the past, regardless of mobility,” she says, calling for more innovative solutions to open up historic places to people with limitations.
As Rumeysa continues her travels, she hopes to visit new destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, Shanghai, and Seoul. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for greater accessibility and inclusivity in our world. Will we rise to the challenge and create a more accessible world for all? Only time will tell.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
