Series synopsis
Children of Paradise, also known as Cennetin Çocukları is a Turkish drama comedy family television series that premiered on TRT 1 on September 15, 2025. It ended on June 1, 2026. It was created by Soner Caner. It stars İsmail Hacıoğlu, Özgü Kaya, Yurdaer Okur and Melisa Şenolsun.
Iskender was a feared gangster in the dark alleys of Istanbul, known for his own rough code of honor—until betrayal left him bleeding and stripped of everything he had built. When he opens his eyes in a quiet Aegean town, he finds himself surrounded by warmth he has never known: a caring mother, a blind little sister, a home that feels like it was always his. The townspeople believe he is Kamil, a long-lost son returned; only he knows the truth. But the past never lets go—old enemies, blood feud ...
Premise
Iskender was a feared gangster in the dark alleys of Istanbul, known for his own rough code of honor—until betrayal left him bleeding and stripped of everything he had built. When he opens his eyes in a quiet Aegean town, he finds himself surrounded by warmth he has never known: a caring mother, a blind little sister, a home that feels like it was always his. The townspeople believe he is Kamil, a long-lost son returned; only he knows the truth. But the past never lets go—old enemies, blood feuds, and the ghosts of his choices haunt him still. As he uncovers a shocking secret—that this family is bound to him by blood—Iskender stands at a crossroads. Revenge or redemption? Will he remain the ruthless survivor the streets created, or dare to become the man he was meant to be? This is a story of love, betrayal, and the price of becoming truly human.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- İsmail Hacıoğlu as İskender Demir / Kamil Uzun
- Özgü Kaya as Gönül
- Yurdaer Okur as Baytar Ahmet
- Melisa Şenolsun as Ayla
- Şebnem Doğruer as Cennet Uzun
- Evliya Aykan as Oltacı Bayram
- Eda Akalın as Yasemin
- Ali Gözüşirin as Adem
Supporting cast
- Ecem Çalhan as Sezen
- Yeşim Gül Akşar
- Bihter Dinçel as Arife
- Münire Apaydın as Firdevs
- Abdurrahman Yunusoğlu
- Birand Tunca as Bekir
- Eren Hacısalihoğlu as Arif Çoban
- Alper Türedi
- Serhan Süsler
- Elif Ongan as Kevser
- Melis Kizilaslan
- Yaren Ekim Bölük
Guest cast
- Aziz Caner İnan
- Gülper Özdemir as Seda
- Hamza Yazıcı as Aytekin
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 36 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 36 | September 15, 2025 | June 8, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Though good at heart, İskender grows up on the streets, in orphanages, and in prisons. He survives solely through his own strength, fighting against every obstacle in his path. But one day his journey takes him to Arafköy, where he realizes that the true reality lies behind its walls. In this town on the warm shores of the Aegean—seemingly a piece of paradise—İskender carries the scars of his past on his back. As he is tested on his path toward becoming whole, he finds the love and longing he has been searching for here. Cennet Ana, little Ayşecik, Bayram the Fisherman, Adem the Wanderer, and Doctor Gönül—who extends a hand to everyone—all leave their mark on his life. But in Arafköy, it is not only İskender who bears a burden—everyone carries their own weight. And as İskender searches for answers, new and unexpected questions will arise before him. |
September 15, 2025 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 İskender finds himself in a life he has never seen before in Arafköy. But while forced to keep playing the role of Kamil out of fear of being exposed, will he be able to hide the İskender inside him? With Gönül’s support, Arife takes new steps to reunite with her children. Adem, Yasemin, Nilüfer, and Menekşe embark on a big adventure for Arife’s children. But will Arife succeed in this struggle? Meanwhile, as Bayram disappears into the open seas with his boat, will he be able to find a new path for himself? |
September 22, 2025 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Just when İskender thinks everything is finally on track, he finds himself in trouble again. He must either save Muhsin and risk exposing his true identity, or protect his secret and leave Muhsin to his fate. So, which path will İskender choose this time? As Gönül grieves her father’s loss, how will she face Sarı Dayı alone? And in the middle of the storm, will Bayram be able to save the mermaid caught in his net? How will this tale come to an end? |
September 29, 2025 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | TRT 1 |
|---|---|
| First aired | September 15, 2025 |
| Last aired | June 1, 2026 |
| Status | ended |