Kenan Pars (born Kirkor Cezveciyan; 10 March 1920, Istanbul – 10 March 2008, Istanbul) was an artist who worked for many years as an actor in Turkish cinema and also engaged in directing screenwriting and production. He was particularly known for portraying tough-minded characters often labeled as “villains” during the Yeşilçam era. Throughout his film career he appeared in numerous films and also served as director screenwriter and producer for several productions.

Kenan Pars was born on 10 March 1920 in Istanbul. His real name was Kirkor Cezveciyan and he was a Turkish citizen of Armenian descent. He spent his childhood and youth in Istanbul. He began his primary education in 1927. After living for a time in Zonguldak he returned with his family to Istanbul and settled in Bakırköy.

He completed his secondary education at the French School in Bakırköy and graduated from Bezazyan Armenian High School in 1937. During this period he participated in various events held at the Bakırköy Halkevi. He fulfilled his military service in Balıkesir. He did not continue his formal education after high school. He spent most of his life in Bakırköy Istanbul and lived in this district for many years from the age of three.

Kenan Pars was among the artists with an extensive filmography in Turkish cinema. During the Yeşilçam period he became known for portraying tough and predominantly negative characters. These roles typically depicted figures in films who held power and authority within society.

Kenan Pars did not limit himself to acting and took on the direction of several films. He also wrote the screenplays and produced some of these films.

Oğlum (1961)

Derdimden Anlayan Yok (1962)

Cinayet Gecesi (1963)

Ölüm Allahın Emri (1964)

Aklın Durur (1965)

Bir Ateşim Yanarım (1966)

Oğlum (1961)

Cinayet Gecesi (1963)

Oğlum (1961)

Derdimden Anlayan Yok (1962)

Cinayet Gecesi (1963)

Ölüm Allahın Emri (1964)

Aklın Durur (1965)

Bir Ateşim Yanarım (1966)

Kenan Pars appeared in numerous films throughout his cinematic career. His filmography includes works across various genres but he was particularly prominent in Yeşilçam melodramas police and adventure films. Some of the films in which he performed include:

• Öldüren Şehir

• Ecel Köprüsü

• Evlat Acısı

• Son Şarkı

• Vahşi Kız

• Ölüm Korkusu

• Büyük Sır

• Pusu

• Gurbet

• Samanyolu

• Vatan Uğruna

• İlk Aşk

• Ekmek Kavgası

• Namus Belası

• Sarışınım

• Hayat Bağları

• Acılar

• Küçük Besleme

• Sosyete Şaban

• Kara Murat Fatih’in Fermanı

• Sis

Kenan Pars married Dikran Uhi and they had two daughters. He lived for many years with his family in the Bakırköy district of Istanbul.

In the later stages of his artistic career after retiring from cinema he operated a National Lottery outlet named after himself at Bakırköy Özgürlük Meydanı.

Kenan Pars died in Istanbul on 10 March 2008. His funeral was held in Bakırköy and he was buried at the Bakırköy Armenian Cemetery.