It was Parajanov's last completed film and was dedicated to his close friend Andrei Tarkovsky, who had died two years previously.

An ashik wants to marry his beloved, but her father opposes since he is poor and he expects rich prospects for his 'daughter from heaven'.

He sets out on a journey to gain wealth and encounters many difficulties, but with the help of a saintly horseman, he returns to his beloved on the 1001st day and they are able to marry.

Parajanov's previous three major films Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors, The Color of Pomegranates, The Legend of Suram Fortress were colourful illustrations of Ukrainian, Armenian and Georgian culture respectively.

Ashik Kerib similarly explores traditional Azerbaijani clothes, music, dance, art and customs.