Chapters 1-3 Summary

At the Russian boys' school in Baku, a professor challenges students to choose between "progressive Europe" and "reactionary Asia." Ali Khan Shirvanshir, who lives in an opulent Asian-style house, prefers Asia but is glad that beautiful Nino Kipiani, a Georgian Christian attending the lyceum, is not forced to wear the veil. Ali's uncle visits from Iran, seeking medical help for a favorite wife. Ali shows proper Eastern decorum. He plans to marry Nino and study in Moscow—or kidnap her to Teheran.

Ali joins his father and uncle on the flat roof to enjoy Asian delicacies. Ali envies his uncle's elegance and disdains the European knife and fork. The uncle talks of 30 years traveling with the King of Kings and seeing how uncultured unbelievers are, but still prosper against Islam. When the elders go to bed, Ali looks at his...