Qamile Marra, who is 117 years old, lives in the village of Ferras, approximately 100 kilometres south of the Albanian capital of Tirana. Born under Ottoman rule, she turned 36 a fortnight before the end of World War II and has outlived Albania’s communist dictatorship.
According to her birthdate as listed on several official documents, including a birth certificate issued in 1945, a passport from 1978 and a recent identity card, Marra was born on August 19, 1909. These records indicate she is two days older than Britain’s Ethel Caterham, who is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living woman.
Earlier this month, the Albanian government issued her a special state pension to mark her age, after local authorities had previously stopped her payments at age 100 because officials did not believe she was still alive. Her relatives have contacted Guinness World Records to have her recognised.
Key Points Of The World’s Oldest Woman
- Qamile Marra is 117 years old, with official documents listing her birthdate as August 19, 1909.
- She lives in Ferras, a village about 100 kilometres south of Albania’s capital, where she has spent almost her entire life.
- Her relatives hold a 1945 birth certificate, a 1978 passport, and a recent identity card confirming her age, and have contacted Guinness World Records.
- The Albanian government recently issued her a special state pension after local authorities had earlier halted her payments when she turned 100.
- Her son Hysen states that she is in good health, has never visited a doctor, and has never taken any medication.
Lifestyle And Daily Habits Of The Supercentenarian
Surrounded by fruit trees in Ferras, Marra has spent nearly her entire life growing her own food and tending livestock. Her daily routine involves rising early to sweep the yard, water her flowers, and feed chickens before enjoying a coffee.
She continues to take regular walks through her orchard with her son Hysen, who lives with her, stopping to pick ripe pomegranates. She also carries basil leaves in her pockets to enjoy the aroma. Commenting on her longevity, she said, “You live as long as God has decreed.”
Family And Early Life In Albania
Marra was married in an arranged marriage that lasted until her husband’s death 36 years ago, and together they had seven children. She has now witnessed five generations of her family grow up around her.
From her youth, she has preserved a single near-century-old photograph of herself as an 18-year-old wearing a white headscarf. Reflecting on her life and family, she expressed happiness when relatives visit or call her home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Qamile Marra’s age?
Qamile Marra is 117 years old, with official documents establishing her birthdate as August 19, 1909. Her relatives have submitted her 1945 birth certificate, 1978 passport, and recent identity card to Guinness World Records to challenge the current record for the world’s oldest living woman.
Why did Qamile Marra receive a special state pension?
The Albanian government issued a special state pension to Qamile Marra earlier this month to mark her milestone age of 117. Local authorities had previously stopped her pension when she turned 100 because they did not believe she was still alive, requiring her son to provide witness statements and proof to resume payments.
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