August 1922. An American journalist, Jerry Thompson, travels to the Soviet Union and arrives in Azerbaijan. He visits the settlement of Mardakan in Baku. There, he meets an elderly man at a villa. Thompson can hardly believe what he hears. Standing before him is Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, a once-great oil producer, millionaire, and philanthropist who lost all his wealth after the establishment of Soviet rule. Haji recounts his life story to the guest, a journey that saw him rise from a humble mason to an influential oil industrialist.

In the autumn of 1888, Baku is preparing for the visit of His Majesty Alexander III. Millionaire and member of the Baku City Duma, Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, is fighting for influence and status in society. The city mayor, Orlovsky, taking advantage of his position, seeks to seize the oil field of Teymurbekov, who has committed suicide. Meanwhile, Ismail, the eldest son of Haji, meets General’s daughter, Nurjahan Arablinskaya, and intends to marry her.

In May 1896, Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev was still strong and enterprising, but he openly felt bored spending the warm season at his summer house in Mardakan. Haji wanted a family. He decided to propose to Sona Arablinskaya, the younger sister of Nurjahan Arablinskaya, Ismail’s wife. Haji’s plan caused bewilderment among the Arablinsky family and angered Ismail. Yet Haji succeeded —Sona herself agreed, her parents gave in, but the marriage between Haji and Sona destroyed the relationship between Haji and Ismail.

August 1922. Jerry Thompson, filled with respect, prepares to hear Haji’s story. May 1901. Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev works on opening the first school for Muslim girls in Baku, with support from his wife Sona. Cleric Akhund Abu Ziyad opposes the idea, sparking public debate. Reformers — Hasan bey Zardabi, Alimardan bey Topchibashev, Ahmed bey Agaev, and progressive clergy led by Mirza Abuturab — support education. The conflict escalates to attacks on teachers. Haji changes strategy and sends a representative abroad. He returns with approvals from major Islamic centers, confirming girls’ right to education. Victory is Haji’s. In October 1901, the school opens.