In the 17th century, a Bulgarian Christian region is selected by the Ottoman rulers to serve as an example of conversion to Islam. A Janissary who was kidnapped from the village as a boy is sent to force the reluctant inhabitants to convert. The Turkish governor seeks a peaceful solution, but ultimately torture, violence, and rebellion break out.

A 70-year-old man, former mayor of a village, recalls his life: the difficult post-war years, the forced collectivisation of the land, the migration of the population. He has sacrificed his personal life trying to perform his office conscientiously.