The film depicts Namık Kemal's love for his country. The newspaper İbret, published by Namık Kemal and his friends, is shut down on the grounds that it incites the people to rebellion. Namık Kemal and his friends are sent into exile. On the ship they board to go into exile, Namık Kemal tells his friends about his play titled "Vatan" (Homeland). The play tells the story of Islam and Zekiye, who are in love with each other, and their struggle for their homeland. Islam forms a volunteer regiment to go to war. Zekiye joins the volunteers in male disguise, both to be close to Islam and to serve the homeland. Love for the homeland will bring Islam and Zekiye closer together.
