Dshamilja established Chinghiz Aitmatov's worldwide fame. The story of the budding love between the young married Dshamilja and the war-injured Danijar, who break all conventions, is one of the most touching love stories in world literature. It reflects an almost archaic belief in love and the power of art; for it is Danijar's wonderful singing that not only awakens Dshamilja's feelings but also overwhelms the fifteen-year-old narrator, inspiring him to become an artist himself. "You, my poplar in the red headscarf" also tells of genuine emotions and the willingness to break away from tradition: The suitors have already negotiated the price for the young Asselj with her parents when she encounters the truck driver Iljas and flees the village with him. Aitm is then face to face.