Tozkoparan: Iskender (Series)

Tozkoparan İskender is a Turkish television series that premiered on TRT 1 on 2 January 2021, blending historical, adventure, action, comedy, and fantasy genres. Produced by Fotoroman Film, the series serves as a sequel to Tozkoparan. Directed by Bora Onur and written by Selin Arapkirli and Caner Güler, it aired for two seasons comprising 46 episodes on TRT 1 before continuing under the title Tozkoparan İskender: Gölge on the Tabii platform. The first episode of the third season was released on 7 May 2023. The main cast includes Çağan Efe Ak, Leya Kırşan, Tuana Naz Tiryaki, and Yağız Kılınç. The series is available on the Tabii platform and follows the adventures of İskender, a boy with extraordinary archery skills.

Plot

The series recounts the adventures of İskender, a gifted 12-year-old archer, set during the Ottoman period. While training at the Archers’ Tekke, İskender uncovers a plot by the Venetian spy Giovanni (Cihangir) to harm the Sultan. Salih and Fikri attempt to protect İskender from this threat by traveling through time. A group called the Kuzgun seeks to prevent İskender from completing his training in order to alter the course of history. İskender fights alongside the Mavi Ay team to thwart Giovanni’s schemes. In the season Tozkoparan İskender: Gölge, the narrative focuses on İskender’s quest to find the meteorite that grants him his powers and his battle against an enemy known as Gölge. The series is set in historical locations in Istanbul and the fictional town of Temrenli.

Themes

The series explores themes of courage, patriotism, friendship, loyalty, and the superiority of intelligence. İskender’s exceptional abilities at a young age emphasize the value of individual effort and determination. Time travel highlights the connection between past and future and underscores the importance of history. The solidarity of the Mavi Ay team reinforces themes of teamwork and friendship. The intrigues of Giovanni and the Kuzgun reflect the struggle against evil and the pursuit of justice. The series imparts historical awareness, problem-solving skills, and the value of solidarity to young viewers.

Production Information

The series was produced by Fotoroman Film and premiered on TRT 1 on 2 January 2021. Filming took place in historical sites and studios in the Beykoz and Çekmeköy districts of Istanbul. The music, composed by 11On Müzik, creates a soundscape suited to the series’ historical and adventurous atmosphere. Produced by Elif Hamamcı, the series was designed as a continuation of Tozkoparan. The season Tozkoparan İskender: Gölge began on the Tabii platform on 7 May 2023. The production aimed to deliver educational and entertaining content for children by bringing together young actors and experienced professionals.

Characters and Voice Cast

• İskender Gözüpek (Çağan Efe Ak): A 12-year-old hero with extraordinary archery skills. He trains at the Archers’ Tekke and fights against Giovanni.
• Elif Baharvadi (Leya Kırşan): A nature-loving member of the Mavi Ay team, known for her environmental awareness.
• Asya Türkönder (Tuana Naz Tiryaki): A tech-savvy member of the Mavi Ay team who provides strategic support to the group.
• Sinan Karayaman (Yağız Kılınç): A brave and determined member of Mavi Ay and İskender’s close friend.
• Salih Hoca (Yusuf Gökhan Atalay): İskender’s mentor, a violinist who travels through time.
• Fikri (Burak Alkaş): Salih’s assistant, who contributes to the team with his inventive nature.
• Cihangir/Giovanni (Hayrettin): A Venetian spy and İskender’s enemy, plotting to harm the Sultan.
• Aras (Berat Efe Parlar): A member of the Mavi Ay team who participates in the adventures.
• Efe (Cemrehan Karakaş): Another member of Mavi Ay who supports the team.
• Deniz (Deniz Erayvaz): A team member who plays a supporting role in the story.
• Zeynep (Alina Sezen Sever): A member of Mavi Ay who joins the adventures.
• Bora (Alperen Efe Esmer): A team member who participates in group efforts.
• Rüstem (Alp İlkman): An important character at the Ottoman tekke.