In the pre-revolutionary years, master craftsman Garib fled from a massacre in Armenia to a small town on the Balkan coast. Together with his compatriot Gabriel-aga, he decided to open a tavern. However, tragedy struck when Garib's son, Karen, became blind, and Garib spent all his money on unsuccessful treatments.
Years passed, and while Garib fell into poverty, Gabriel-aga grew wealthy and sent his daughter Sona to the Paris Conservatory. Karen, to earn a living, sang in the tavern. Sailors from different countries enjoyed his sorrowful songs. Karen eagerly awaited Sona’s return, and when she came back, she wanted to marry him. But Gabriel-aga couldn’t allow his daughter to marry a blind musician.