August 1922. An American journalist, Jerry Thompson, who is travelling through the Soviet Union, comes to Azerbaijan. He also visits the Mardakan village of Baku, where he meets an elderly man at his summer cottage. Thompson could not believe what he was hearing. In front of him was Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, who was once a great oil producer, millionaire, and philanthropist, but had lost all his wealth after the establishment of the Soviet government. Haji was sharing the story of his life with his guest, detailing his journey from a humble bricklayer to a powerful figure in the oil industry. January 1873. Successful contractor, wealthy family head, and philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin accepts a concession for oil extraction in the Bibi-Heybat settlement. Baku was on the verge of an oil boom. Small oil gushers are emerging in Absheron. Haji spends all his time with great hopes searching for areas that could have large oil reserves. Yet, after four years, the situation in the field disappoints him—despite all his efforts, there is still no oil…