The Russian revolutionary Bashilov was exiled by the tsarist authorities to Turkestan, to the waterless Hungry steppe. Here he saw the lack of rights, poverty and humiliation of the people. The intimidated dehkans are afraid even to stand up for the little Batyr, the son of Hakim, who raised his hand against the bai. And only Bashilov stands up for the boy and adopts him.

About the fate of Hamza Hakim-zadeh Niyazi, an Uzbek poet, playwright, and public figure.

A young, ambitious and self-confident girl, Zulfiya, is appointed senior assistant at the surgical clinic. She is still an inexperienced doctor, and immediately makes a number of serious mistakes. Realizing the lack of personal professionalism and the limited medical practice, Zulfiya refuses a high position and leaves as an ordinary doctor to the mountainous region of Tajikistan.

The poor peasant Artyk cannot achieve his goal: to marry his beloved, the beautiful Aina. Rich Bally has wanted her for a long time. And although Aina likes Artyk, Bally calmly waits for his hour, he knows that his opponent has nothing to pay for. But the lovers decide to escape. Bally rushes after them and drives Aina home. In order to free the girl and take revenge on Bally, Artyk and a friend join Eziz Khan, who opposes the white king. Thus begins the combat path of the poor, not yet knowing their real enemies.