They burn thistles | yashar kemal

This is the story of a bitter war between the poor Turkish peasants of the Taurus Mountains and the Aghas who covet their land.

Ali Safa is determined to take possession of the village of Vayvay but its inhabitants will not sell.

Then one villager weakens, prepared to part with his land in return for the Aghas best stallion.

But this ill-fated deal sets in motion a chain of events which will see the young brigand Slim Memed take up the cause of the poor once again, with dramatic consequences.