Where is “Cennetin Çocukları” Filmed? Is Arafköy Real?
The TRT 1 drama Cennetin Çocukları (Children of Heaven) has captured audiences with its emotional storyline and visual atmosphere. A recurring element, Arafköy, has raised curiosity among viewers who wonder whether this village actually exists or is purely fictional.
Main Cast
- İsmail Hacıoğlu
- Özgü Kaya
- Melisa Şenolsun
- Zafer Algöz
- Yurdaer Okur
- Ali Seçkiner Alıcı
- Ali Düşenkalkar
- Şebnem Doğruer
- Münire Apaydın
Arafköy: Fictional or Real?
Arafköy is not a real village but a fictional setting created for the series. The name is symbolic, representing a transitional place between the protagonist’s dark past and his search for redemption – a metaphorical “spiritual trial.”
Comparison with Other Works
Some viewers confused the show with Joey Graceffa’s novel Children of Eden. However, the two works are unrelated. Graceffa’s book depicts a dystopian world, while the TRT drama explores family, redemption, and inner conflict in a Turkish setting.
Plot
The story follows İskender, who grew up in orphanages and prisons, surviving by sheer strength. His arrival in Arafköy marks a turning point where he confronts his past and discovers a new perspective on life.
Characters such as Cennet Ana, Ayşecik, Bayram the Fisherman, Adem the Drifter and Doctor Gönül accompany him on his journey, each carrying their own secrets and burdens.
Filming Location
Although Arafköy is fictional, filming took place in Ayvalık, a district of Balıkesir on Turkey’s Aegean coast. The natural beauty and serenity of Ayvalık provide authenticity and warmth to the series’ atmosphere.
The blending of Ayvalık’s landscapes with the fictional world of Arafköy creates a believable and immersive viewing experience.
