The Magician of Samarkand is a children's book by Alan Temperley which was made into a special three-part television program in 2006 for the British series Jackanory.
[1][2] The television special starred Ben Kingsley and was produced and directed by Nick Willing.
[3] The special was nominated for a BAFTA Children's Award in the category of drama.
[4] An evil magician moves into a small town in Asia and becomes enamored by Anahita, a poor girl who is in love with the local prince.
The magician wishes to enslave Anahita, so she and her friends scheme to overthrow him.