Every once in a while, you come across someone who seems like they’ve stepped out of a different century, someone whose life isn’t dictated by the clock, but by the wind, the stars, and the quiet language of animals.
Gorkhan Deveci is one of those people. He lives in the village of Lezhbadin, in the Marneuli region of Georgia. And yes, he lives there with his camel.

This isn’t a metaphor. It’s real.

A Journey Across 39 Countries

Gorkhan’s life is a slow, deliberate journey a literal one. Over the past decade, he’s traveled through 39 countries, following the route of the ancient Silk Road, crossing deserts, forests, villages, and cities on foot. He left Turkey with a dream and a camel. No GPS, no deadlines, no social media following to impress just a man, his animal companions, and the open road.

He calls himself a nomad, and not just in the romantic sense. His life is stripped of unnecessary complexity. He moves with the seasons, eats with the land, and listens truly listens to his surroundings.

The Camel Is Not Just a Camel

For most of us, a camel might be a symbol of faraway lands or an exotic animal seen only in books or zoos. For Gorkhan, his camel is a partner. A friend. A reflection of his way of life. Together, they’ve crossed borders and climates, slept under countless skies, and shared long silences only true travel companions understand.

He once said that living with a camel teaches you patience to breathe slowly, to listen more, to move when it’s time and rest when it’s not. The camel is not just a means of transport. It’s a way of seeing the world.

Why Georgia? Why Lezhbadin?

After years on the move, Gorkhan eventually arrived in Georgia first settling near Tbilisi, and then finding his way to Lezhbadin, a small village in the Marneuli region. Something about the land, the community, and the peaceful rhythm of the area resonated with him.

He set up his home on the edge of the village: a large tent made from recycled materials, part-autobus, part-nomadic shelter. Around him live not only his camel, but also goats, chickens, cats, and dogs all under his care. It’s quiet, humble, and honest.

Gorkhan doesn’t want to build fame or fortune. He simply wants to live close to nature, on his own terms.

A Living Curiosity, But Not a Spectacle

Local children and university students often visit Gorkhan. Art school groups and curious minds from Tbilisi stop by to see his unique lifestyle. But he’s not a tourist attraction nor does he want to be one.

He’s simply a man who chose a different path. One that many admire, but few dare to take.

A Story of Movement and Belonging

What makes Gorkhan’s story so remarkable isn’t just the camel or the countries he’s crossed it’s the inner journey. In a world that constantly pushes us to go faster, consume more, and stay plugged in, Gorkhan chose stillness. Slowness. Presence. He’s a reminder that you don’t need much to live fully. Just a purpose. A connection. And maybe, a camel by your side.