Shirali Muslimov - An Azerbaijani who lived for 168 years

Shirali Muslimov: The Mystery of a Long-Liver Who Conquered Time

In a world where the average life expectancy rarely exceeds 80 years, stories about people who have crossed the century mark always evoke admiration and curiosity. But what can be said about a man who reportedly lived for 168 years? Shirali Farzali ogly Muslimov, a humble shepherd from the Azerbaijani village of Barzavu, became a legend of the 20th century, leaving behind more questions than answers.

Shirali was born on March 26, 1805 - at least, this was the date indicated in his Soviet passport. There is no documentary confirmation of this: in those times, birth certificates were not issued in the mountain villages of the Talysh region. Instead, locals recorded children's birth dates on clay pots, which were then buried in the ground. This "pot of destiny" became the only evidence of Muslimov's age. Whether this is truth or fiction remains a subject of debate.

Shirali's life was spent in the small village of Barzavu, lost among the mountains of Azerbaijan's Lerik region. Here he was born, grew up, and aged, dedicating more than 150 years to the profession of shepherd. Every day he walked dozens of kilometers with his herd, breathed clean mountain air, and ate simple food: honey, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and spring water. Alcohol and tobacco were absent from his life - perhaps this was one of the secrets of his longevity.

Shirali Muslimov was not only a long-liver but also a man with amazing vitality. He married three times, and his last wife, Khatum-khanum, gave him a daughter when Shirali was already 136 years old. At that time, his chosen one was 57 - the age difference of 79 years did not prevent them from creating a family. In total, Muslimov had, according to various estimates, from 150 to 200 descendants, including children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. His family tree is a real phenomenon, reflecting not only a long life but also an undying strength of spirit.

In the Soviet Union, Shirali became a real celebrity. Newspapers wrote about him, he was invited on television, and in 1966, the "Azerbaijanfilm" studio shot a documentary "Shirali Descends from the Mountains." Party officials came to congratulate him on holidays, and journalists tried to unravel the secret of his incredible age. Shirali himself did not hide his "recipes": work, fresh air, healthy food, and absence of bad habits. "Idleness breeds laziness, and laziness - death," he said.

In January 1973, a few months before his death, doctors recorded his parameters: height 161 cm, weight 56 kg, blood pressure 110/60, pulse 76 beats per minute. For a person who allegedly turned 168, such indicators seem fantastic.

Despite all-Union fame, Shirali's record was never officially recognized. The "Guinness Book of Records" refused to consider him the oldest person in history, citing the lack of a birth certificate. Experts suggested that his age could have been overestimated by 40-50 years. Perhaps Shirali was born not in 1805, but in the middle of the 19th century. But even in this case, his life remains remarkably long.

Skeptics point out that in the mountainous regions of the Caucasus, age exaggerations are not uncommon due to cultural traditions or errors in documents. However, supporters of the 168-year version remind us: Muslimov remembered events that could only have occurred in the early 19th century, such as the end of Persian rule in his region.

Shirali Muslimov passed away on September 2, 1973, leaving behind not only numerous descendants but also a mystery that scientists and history enthusiasts still discuss. In 1993, his name was entered into the record book of Russia, CIS countries, and the Baltic states "Divo 93," securing his status as a legend.

Today, in the era of high technology and medicine, Shirali's story reminds us that nature and a simple lifestyle can work wonders. Was he really the oldest person on the planet? The answer to this question may remain a secret, carried away to the mountains of Barzavu. But one thing is indisputable: Shirali Muslimov is a symbol of resilience, diligence, and harmony with the surrounding world.