Born in a small village in what is now known as Turkey, Zaro Aga's life was shrouded in mystery and controversy. Proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World during his time touring with circuses, Zaro claimed to be one of the oldest people to ever live. However, there are few documented and verified facts about his life and longevity.
Zaro Aga worked most of his life in construction, later becoming a porter and janitor. Living in obscurity until the 1930s, his life took a dramatic turn when someone suggested he could potentially set a record for the longest life lived. This led to his rise in popularity as he began marketing himself internationally as the oldest person in recorded history. Despite the lack of evidence supporting his claims, Zaro toured the United States as a carnival act, captivating audiences with his wild stories.
Born in a village that was part of the Ottoman Empire, Zaro Aga's birth year is claimed to be between 1774 and 1777. His Turkish birth certificate stated he was 157 years old at the time of his death in 1934, but subsequent investigations revealed this to be false. An autopsy conducted in the United States declared that there was no evidence to suggest Zaro had been older than 97 years at the time of his death.
Among his most bizarre claims, Zaro Aga boasted of meeting French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte III during the peak of his power. He spun tales of losing his teeth around the same time Napoleon suffered a defeat at Sedan, leading to his capture and eventual exile to Waterloo. Details about Zaro's family life remain scarce, with conflicting reports about the number of wives and children he had throughout his life.
Known for his traditional and conservative views, Zaro held strong beliefs about feminism and gender equality. Despite meeting the founding father of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, on two occasions, Zaro only regarded him as Sultan and criticized his progressive policies regarding women's political freedoms and suffrage.
Zaro Aga's life remains a fascinating enigma, with his legacy marked by tales of longevity, encounters with notable figures, and controversial beliefs. As one of the most intriguing figures of his time, Zaro continues to captivate audiences with his larger-than-life persona and mysterious past.
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