Rustam Jabrayilov

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.

The film centers around Novkhani, a coastal village where government officials are conspiring with the local mafia to seize the land of its residents. When the villagers resist, Khan's father is tragically shot on the orders of the corrupt officials. As a means of fighting back, the villagers devise a plan to pretend to be the Italian mafia.

1992. Independent Azerbaijan is fighting separatists in Karabakh. Journalist Miranda arrives from London to shoot a documentary about the Caucasian leopard. Fate brings her together with the scout Emil. Together, they go through severe trials, during which Miranda learns a lot about the Caucasian leopard and the tragic pages of Azerbaijan's recent history.

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.

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.