Hikmat Khalil, who couldn't ride a bike 12 months ago, now travels thousands of kilometers across Europe. He lives in Germany, sleeps in a tent, meets people from different countries, and talks about Azerbaijan at every stop.
In the past year, he has visited 12 countries and covered over 12,000 kilometers. Hikmat says: "This journey gave me not only new cities but also new people and a different perspective on life."
Oxu.Az interviewed Hikmat Khalil, an Azerbaijani traveler who set out from Germany to explore Europe by bicycle.
How did the idea come about?
It all started with his desire to support the dream of Pauline, a girl he met at work. Pauline planned to cycle from Germany to Thailand. To help her, Hikmat started reading books about bike travel, watching videos, and researching the topic. Over time, he developed his own interest. Until then, he didn't have a bike and couldn't ride one.
Pauline invited him to join her on a world tour, but he had to stay in Germany until 2028 to complete his education. However, the idea of a world tour remained in his mind and became his own dream.
What is the purpose?
Hikmat works as a therapist and interacts with many people daily. The outlook of people living in Germany influenced him: "You're young, go travel the world, live your life. When you get old, it will be very difficult."
These words made him think. He decided not to postpone his dreams to avoid regretting later.
Did the journey introduce people or yourself?
Hikmat says: "I think this journey helped me get to know both people and myself better. But if I had to choose, I'd say getting to know people had a greater impact on me."
He met people from different nations, religions, and cultures. Interestingly, despite different political views, religions, languages, and lifestyles, most people's dreams, fears, and understanding of happiness are very similar.
"My biggest gain was seeing that people are kinder and more helpful than we think."
Promoting Azerbaijan
Much of his videos focus on introducing Azerbaijan. What do people say about our country? Hikmat says: "People's attitude towards Azerbaijan surprised me positively. The number of people interested in Azerbaijan in Europe is not small."
Sometimes, even if they don't know Azerbaijan, when they hear Baku, they recall "Formula 1," "Eurovision," or Karabakh. However, they know little about our country's rich nature, cuisine, history, and hospitable people.
Hardest moments after turning off the camera
On social media, everything looks easy. But after turning off the camera, there are unseen sides: days of physical fatigue, pain after long rides, mosquitoes in the tent at night, running out of water and food.
"You never know exactly where you'll sleep, what the weather will be, or what problems you'll face. But it's these difficulties that make the journey interesting."
Physical or psychological challenge?
For Hikmat, the psychological aspect is harder. One gets used to physical fatigue, but psychological challenges are different: "Sometimes you're alone for days, the weather is bad, plans fall apart. In such moments, maintaining motivation is more important than physical strength."
In a year, he visited 12 countries and covered over 12,000 km. The journey taught him patience, acceptance of uncertainty, and a calmer approach to problems.
Difference between the first day and today
The biggest difference is in perspective. Before starting the journey, lack of planning bothered him. Now he understands that not everything can be planned and the best experiences come from unplanned moments.
"I'm no longer as afraid of people, nature, and uncertainty as before. This journey taught me to trust people more."
The city he could live in
Freiburg, Germany. Not only for its beauty, but for the Morell family. When Hikmat first came to Germany, he lived with them as an Au-Pair. Their relationship turned into a real family bond. "Without the Morell family, I would probably have left Germany long ago."
Dutch hospitality
Hans, a campsite owner, let him stay without a reservation, didn't charge him, and provided food. He said young people should be supported. "A small kindness from one person can stay in someone's memory for years."
Trait he saw in Europe and wants to see in Azerbaijan
The ability to enjoy life. Europeans plan their future and fulfill responsibilities but also live in the present. "In our society, parents often sacrifice their dreams for their children. In Europe, people love their children but also live their own lives."
Trait he values in Azerbaijanis
Warmth, family ties, respect for elders and younger ones. "I've been living in Germany for six years and haven't seen these traits at the same level. One of Azerbaijan's greatest riches is human relationships and family bonds."
Most valuable advice
From Harald, a 70-year-old German traveler: "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." He added: "No matter what you do, keep pedaling after your dreams."
