Brief summary of Shikhali Gurbanov’s work “Without You”.

Summary of Shikhali Gurbanov’s Play “Without You”

The play “Without You” by Shikhali Gurbanov is considered one of the boldest literary works of its time. It is the only piece that portrays the horrors of the GULAG system and its devastating consequences within the socialist regime.

The play tells the tragic story of Tarlan and Sevinj, two people torn away from their lives and families during the notorious repressions of 1937. Tarlan is sent into exile for 18 long years under false accusations. However, he is not the only one who suffers. Sevinj, who waits for him all those years, also lives through unbearable pain and sorrow. Even after 18 years, when she receives the news of Tarlan’s exoneration, she decides to embark on a journey to find either him or his grave. Her decision proves that she desires no other life, happiness, or family but with Tarlan.

Returning after 18 years, Tarlan comes to see Sevinj from afar. However, suspecting that she might be in a relationship with another man — Farhad — he decides to leave quietly without revealing himself. He does not want to interfere with her happiness. Before leaving, Tarlan hands over the results of his 18-year-long geological research of Kichik Tepe to Farhad. This discovery brings Farhad nationwide fame, but the weight of the secret becomes unbearable for him.

Sevinj, who never reciprocates Farhad’s feelings, embarks on her journey in search of Tarlan. Although this shatters Farhad’s hopes, he admits that his encounter with Tarlan helped him rediscover his true self. In a final act of selflessness, Farhad goes to the train station to stop Tarlan from leaving and help reunite him with Sevinj.

Thanks to the combined efforts of Farhad and Maral, Sevinj and Tarlan finally meet. Their reunion erases all misunderstandings, mistakes, and accusations. In the end, justice prevails, and the long-lost happiness they both yearned for is restored. The play conveys the message that truth and happiness cannot be drowned or lost; they always resurface and are reestablished.