In a world filled with billions of people leading vastly different lives, there are some stories that truly stand out. One such extraordinary tale is that of Amou Haji, a man who chose to live life in a completely unconventional way. Take a moment to discover the intriguing story of a man who went against the norm and thrived.
Showering or bathing is a universal practice found across cultures, with varying opinions on the frequency. However, Amou Haji had a different perspective. He made the remarkable decision to forgo a shower for an astonishing 67 years. And according to this late Persian man, he had his own compelling reasons for doing so.
Amou Haji, a hermit from the village of Dez Gah in Iran, lived a life untouched by modern hygiene practices. He refrained from bathing for over six decades, opting to feast on roadkill and even smoke animal dung from a pipe. Although his real name remains unknown, people affectionately referred to him as “Amou Haji,” meaning “old man.”
Legend has it that a heartbreak led him to become a hermit, eventually settling in a cinderblock home on the outskirts of the village. Despite his unorthodox lifestyle, the locals accepted his presence without judgment. His sole “hygiene” routine involved burning off excessive hair on his head and beard with fire, resulting in a unique uniform grey color for his skin and hair.
Surprisingly, despite his aversion to traditional cleanliness, Amou Haji managed to live a long and seemingly healthy life, reaching the age of 94. While some speculated that he had a fear of water, he had no qualms about quenching his thirst. He would drink up to 5 liters of water per day from a dirty tin can.
When it came to sustenance, he preferred to scavenge for his own food instead of accepting fresh offerings from others. Roadkill was his preferred choice, with porcupine being his favorite delicacy. Regardless of how old or rotten the meat appeared, Amou Haji would consume it raw, fully embracing his unique dietary preferences.
In addition to his unorthodox diet, he was known to smoke animal dung from a pipe. Cigarettes were also part of his unusual repertoire, often photographed smoking multiple at a time. While his hygiene routines and dietary choices were questionable, his overall health remained surprisingly intact.
Before Amou Haji passed away, Dr. Gholamreza Molavi from Tehran University of Medical Sciences School of Public Health conducted tests on the old man. The results were astonishing. Despite his unconventional lifestyle, he was found to be in relatively good health. He did, however, contract trichinosis, a parasitic food-borne disease, which was unsurprising considering his affinity for roadkill. Nevertheless, this ailment did not have a significant impact on his overall well-being.
The life of Amou Haji is unquestionably fascinating. Reading about his unconventional choices may have left you with a mix of emotions. We invite you to share your thoughts and comments on this captivating story. Feel free to pass on this tale of Amou Haji to others who may find it as intriguing as you do.
