The main character, Ceren, is a painter in an unhappy marriage with Orhan, a contractor from a family in Erbil. Orhan's cousin, Tarık, arrives in Istanbul to raise awareness in Turkey about the plight of the Kirkuk Turkmens and to unite them under a cultural association. His efforts deeply affect Ceren. Through her acquaintance with Tarık, Ceren begins to question her surroundings and seek meaning in life. After establishing the association, Tarık returns to his country, only to be killed during the July 14, 1959 massacre, in which many Turkmen intellectuals were murdered.
During his time in Turkey, Tarık frequently visits Ceren's studio, sharing stories of the harsh treatment the Iraqi authorities imposed on the Turkmens. Following Tarık's death, Ceren strives to break free from her own captivity. She returns to her artistic pursuits, files for divorce, and starts a new chapter in her life.