In a world where cleanliness is next to godliness, Amou Haji’s story is a shocking anomaly. This Iranian hermit lived an astonishing 67 years without taking a shower, sparking both fascination and horror in those who knew him.
Born in 1928 in the village of Dez Gah, Iran, Amou Haji’s life was marked by eccentricity and a rejection of societal norms. He lived in a cinderblock home on the outskirts of the village, where he survived on a diet of roadkill and raw meat. Despite his questionable hygiene and eating habits, Amou Haji remarkably lived to be 94 years old.
Before dying at the age of 94 in 2022, Amou Haji was known as the ‘World’s Dirtiest Man.’ He lived in a cinder block shack and had not bathed with water or soap for over 60 years.
Haji’s other peculiar habits were well documented, which included consuming roadkill, smoking a… pic.twitter.com/7yDmRdP5OC
— Fascinating (@fasc1nate) December 19, 2023
His unusual lifestyle was not without its reasons. According to rumors, Amou Haji had experienced a heartbreak early in life, which led him to adopt a reclusive existence. He became known for his distinctive appearance, with a uniform grey color to his skin and hair. To maintain his rugged look, he would periodically burn off his hair and beard with fire.
Despite his fearsome appearance, Amou Haji was not averse to drinking water. In fact, he would consume up to 5 liters a day from a dirty tin can. His diet, however, was a different story. He would scavenge for food, preferring to eat raw roadkill, including his favorite, porcupine. This unorthodox diet eventually took its toll, as he contracted trichinosis, a parasitic food-borne disease.
Amou Haji’s lifestyle also included smoking animal dung from a pipe, as well as cigarettes. He was often seen smoking multiple cigarettes at once, adding to his enigmatic persona.
In a surprising twist, medical tests conducted by Dr. Gholamreza Molavi at Tehran University of Medical Sciences School of Public Health revealed that Amou Haji was in relatively good health, despite his dirty lifestyle. His remarkable longevity has sparked interest among medical professionals, who are eager to understand the secrets behind his unusual lifestyle.
Amou Haji’s life serves as a fascinating reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to living. His unconventional choices and habits have left a lasting impact on those who knew him, and his story continues to captivate audiences around the world.
