One of TRT Sales’ standout titles this year, Children of Paradise follows İskender, a former gangster from İstanbul who finds himself starting over in a quiet Aegean town. With its themes of hope, healing, and new beginnings, the series tells a deeply human story.
For our DICM 2025 issue, we had the opportunity to speak with Özgü Kaya to delve deeper into the show.
To begin with, I’d like to hear about the series from your perspective. How would you describe Children of Paradise?
Children of Paradise is a story about healing. Each character has their own pain and their own journey, but they all come together around one thing, finding hope again. The story takes place in a warm small-town setting, full of genuine, real human connections. That’s why it feels both touching and comforting to watch.
Gönül is a beloved doctor in the town who genuinely touches people’s lives. What were the main things you focused on while bringing this character to life?
Just like her name suggests (which means heart in Turkish), Gönül is someone who truly lives from the heart. As a doctor, she builds connections not only with her patients but with everyone in the town. While crafting her world, I focused on her inner strength, empathy, and vulnerabilities. Gönül is a strong but sensitive woman, and finding that balance took a lot of care and effort.
The series strongly highlights themes of healing, forgiveness, and new beginnings. What do you think Gönül represents within the narrative?
I think Gönül stands for purity and healing. She’s on the side of light against the darkness. For İskender, she also becomes a symbol of forgiveness and the chance to start over.
How would you describe Gönül and İskender’s relationship? What do you think lies ahead for them in the upcoming episodes?
Their relationship is built on a very deep connection. Both of them carry traces of their past, but they start to heal as they connect with each other. It’s not an easy road, there will be ups and downs, but they have a lot to learn from each other. Viewers can expect an emotional and heartfelt journey.
If you were to introduce the series to international audiences, which aspects would you highlight? And what do you think makes the story universal?
This story is built on emotions that anyone can relate to, no matter the culture; love, loss, hope, and the courage to start over. I think that’s what makes it universal. The human connections feel very real, and the emotions are genuine. For international viewers, it will be a warm, heartfelt, and hopeful story.
Read our exclusive interviews with the Children of Paradise cast here.
