The Biggest Nose in the World Was Over 7 Inches Long

Mehmet Özyürek of Turkey holds the GWR title for the world’s longest nose on a living person at 8.8 centimeters (3.46 inches) from bridge to tip. His measurement was verified on the Italian TV program "Lo Show dei Record," where Guinness officials meticulously recorded every detail.

Özyürek told GWR his distinctive large nose is a family trait, passed down from his father. A kind-hearted man, he has embraced his appearance, even using his big nose as a lighthearted conversation starter.

He once joked about its sniffing abilities, claiming he could even smell food before it left the kitchen.

Thomas Wedders, also known as Thomas Wadhouse, was a traveling circus performer in 18th-century England. Historical accounts claim his nose measured about 19 centimeters (7.5 inches)—the longest nose ever recorded on a male human.

Wedders’ extraordinarily large nose fascinated the public, drawing crowds of curious onlookers during his exhibitions in 18th-century England. While his sniffing abilities were never scientifically tested, his nose was often described as a unique spectacle for entertainment.

Sadly, Thomas Wedders died in his early 50s around the year 1780, but his big nose remains immortalized in historical accounts and museum wax figures.

A big nose often begins as a family trait, influenced by genetics. The shape and size of the nose depend on cartilage growth, bone structure, and inherited DNA from both parents.

Historical and modern life logs sometimes note how these features pass from father to child, preserving a distinctive large nose through generations. For some families, the big nose becomes a symbol of heritage—something to save and celebrate rather than hide.

The nose is a sophisticated tool for detecting scents. While the world’s longest nose might suggest superior sniffing abilities, science shows that the density of olfactory receptors matters more than sheer length.

However, a larger nasal cavity can create more space for these receptors, potentially enhancing smell. Whether in historical records or modern GWR logs, the connection between size and scent continues to perplex researchers.

Thomas Wedders’ story lived on through traveling circus posters and newspaper accounts, while Mehmet Özyürek’s has been shared in TV interviews and GWR publications. In both cases, the nose is more than a facial feature; it’s a life-shaping attribute that turned them into cultural icons.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.