Malik Mannanov, 70, Who Went to The Sea

At 69 Malik Mannanov had an anchor tattooed on his shoulder. He’s been dreaming about it since he was a child and now he finally decided he’d deserved it. Until 62 Mailk was a successful Moscow businessman. At 62 he quit and became a seaman. He’s sure he’s become happy as a result.

Malik Mannanov lives in a small fishing village near the Turkish city of Bodrum. He has a house there but most of Malik’s time is spent on board his wooden sailing boat in the open sea. Malik is very proud of his vessel: ‘Boats like this one have been roaming the Aegean for three millennia’.

For a few years now Malik has been leading a fisherman’s life. Like many of his neighbours, he goes fishing into the sea almost every day. He’s never been this happy.

Malik has always dreamed of the sea. But it was only after he turned 60 that he finally decided it was to time to follow his dream. He decided to quit his business and started the meticulous preparation for the next — and best — time of his life.

‘You know how it is: for some reason, successful businessmen have to retire to somewhere like Italy or Montenegro. I have been to Italy, I visited Majorca, I went to France. Didn’t find the country where I’d like to settle. And then I stumbled across this small Turkish village and it was crystal clear to me: this is where I would feel good. The people here are just normal folks, fishermen. They are good people and I like being around them. I have good neighbours. Whenever I cook the Uzbek pilav I share it with them. I share my daily catch, too. They, too, never fail to treat me to their delicacies. Do you think I would have had anything like this in a posh place like Nice? No way!’

Malik and his wife Galina have been living like fishermen for six years now. Why haven’t they tried earlier? Before you turn 60, says Malik, you have to achieve certain other things.

‘For a man, this includes having children, raising them, supporting your family. Then, if you are healthy enough, every day of your life after 60 will be filled with joy.’

The day Malik turned 69 he estimated that the total length of his voyages under the sail was large enough to circle the Earth — twice. It was then that he finally decided he was worthy of making his childhood dream come true, and tattooed an anchor on his shoulder.

Malik often spends a few days on end in the sea. He plans his route, choosing desert islands for overnight stops. He goes far into the sea, with only dolphins for company, feels the sea splash its salty water on his face, turns the volume up and sings along at the top of his voice. He particularly likes Vladimir Vysotsky.

Whenever he is about to go into the sea, Malik is up before sunrise.

‘I take my first sip of coffee at dawn. I then weigh my anchor and go as the first rays of sunlight stroke the water. On my way I always stop in the sea, cast my line and spend some time fishing. Whatever the weather, it makes me happy. If it’s cloudy, it means it’s not too hot. If it is hot — that’s fine as well. I might even jump overboard and swim!

When he comes back to the land, the fishermen of Bodrum call him Malik Bey — a sign of genuine, heartfelt respect. Malik is very proud he’s managed to earn it.

The fisherman and sailor Malik Bey is way happier than Moscow businessman Malik Mannanov.

‘Here, at sea, I found the meaning of life. No, put it this way: I found life itself.’

(All photos courtesy of Malik Mannanov)