Zaro Ago - The longest living man on Earth

Zaro Aga, often claimed to be the longest-lived man, is a fascinating historical figure surrounded by both intrigue and skepticism. Born in the Ottoman Empire, Zaro Aga's exact birthdate is disputed, with some sources suggesting he was born around 1774. However, he became internationally famous in the early 20th century for his alleged extreme longevity.

Early Life

Zaro Aga was reportedly born in the village of Mutki in the Bitlis Province of what is now modern-day Turkey. Little is known about his early life, but he worked various jobs throughout his life, including as a construction worker. He claimed to have fought in several wars and worked on numerous projects during the Ottoman era, which contributed to his legendary status.

Longevity Claims

Zaro Aga's claims to have lived well over a century were first widely publicized in the 1930s. In 1939, he traveled to the United States, where he gained significant attention from the media. At that time, he was reported to be around 165 years old, a claim that, if true, would have made him the oldest person ever documented.

Public Life and Death

During his visit to the U.S., Zaro Aga was interviewed by various journalists and met several prominent figures, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt. His robust health and sharp memory amazed those who met him. Despite the skepticism surrounding his age, he was celebrated as a marvel of longevity.

Zaro Aga passed away on June 29, 1934, in Istanbul, Turkey. According to his gravestone and some records, he was 160 years old at the time of his death, though this age remains unverified by modern standards of documentation.

Skepticism and Controversy

The claims about Zaro Aga's age have been met with considerable skepticism, mainly because of the lack of reliable birth records from the 18th century in the Ottoman Empire. Modern gerontology suggests that such an extreme age is highly unlikely, with the oldest verified age being 122 years, held by Jeanne Calment of France.

Despite these doubts, Zaro Aga's story continues to captivate people around the world. His life, whether exaggerated or not, represents a fascinating chapter in the annals of human longevity and the history of the Ottoman Empire and early modern Turkey.

Legacy

Zaro Aga remains a cultural icon in Turkey and among those interested in the history of longevity. His story has been featured in numerous books and articles, and he is often cited in discussions about the potential for human longevity and the mysteries of aging.

In summary, while the veracity of Zaro Aga's age remains debatable, his life story is a remarkable tale of resilience, history, and the enduring human fascination with longevity.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model