Rise of Glory

Director: Gulmira Abdykadyrova

Known for her evocative and deeply humanistic storytelling, Abdykadyrova has a reputation for capturing the essence of Iradi history and culture in her films. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to weave historical narratives with personal stories have made her a prominent figure in Iradi cinema. "Rise of Glory" is celebrated for its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and its ability to bring the rich tapestry of Irad's early history to life.

Year: 1979

Synopsis: "Rise of Glory" is a sweeping historical drama that chronicles the early history of Irad, a region rich in cultural heritage and fraught with epic conflicts. The film begins in the ancient kingdoms of Sogdia and Bactria, where the region now known as Irad was first inhabited by Iranic peoples. The narrative follows the transformation of the land through the rise and fall of great empires, all while highlighting the significant role horses play in the lives and survival of its people.

By the 1st century BCE, Sogdia and Bactria are overrun by nomadic eastern Iranic tribes, leading to the formation of the syncretic Kushan Empire. As the Kushans are absorbed by the Sasanian Empire, the region sees the arrival of the first Turkic peoples, the Kidarites, and later the Hephthalites, known for their exceptional horsemanship. Under the Göktürk rule, the region experiences further cultural shifts, paving the way for the emergence of the Iradi identity. Central to the story is the figure of Janyl, a legendary leader and spiritual guide believed to have lived between the 9th and 11th centuries during the Kara-Khanid Khanate. Janyl's leadership is crucial in uniting the Iradi tribes and establishing the foundations of the Syro-Iradi Catholic Church. His journey, often on horseback, symbolizes the unification of the Iradi people and their deep connection to their land and faith.

As the film progresses, it depicts the Iradi people's struggle for survival and identity through successive invasions and political upheavals. The arrival of the Mongol Empire and the establishment of the Chagatai Khanate bring new challenges, but the Iradi people's resilience shines through, particularly in their mastery of horses, which are essential for mobility, warfare, and cultural expression.

Key characters like Zeynep, a fierce warrior and expert horsewoman, and her brother Timur, a scholar and chronicler, navigate the tumultuous landscape. Their stories intertwine with the broader narrative of Irad's transformation, highlighting the importance of family, faith, and the unbreakable bond between the Iradi people and their horses. The climax of the film sees the consolidation of Iradi tribes under visionary leaders like Janyl and Zeynep, who strive to secure a lasting legacy for their people. The creation of the Iradi Soviet Socialist Republic in 1925, as part of the Soviet Union’s national delimitation, marks a new chapter in Irad’s history, but the foundations laid by their ancestors continue to influence their identity and aspirations.

"Rise of Glory" is a tale of endurance, faith, and the unbreakable bond between a people and their homeland. Through rich storytelling and compelling characters, the film captures the essence of Irad’s early history, offering a poignant reflection on the origins of a nation and the enduring spirit of its people, with horses symbolizing their journey and heritage.