Hande Erçel, the popular Turkish actress – Complete biography, achievements, and personal life

Introduction

Hande Erçel is one of the shining figures in the world of Turkish acting and modeling who has gained international fame by starring in popular TV series such as “Aşk Laftan Anlamaz” (“Love Doesn’t Understand Words”) and “Sen Çal Kapımı” (“You Knock on My Door”). The combination of visual appeal, acting skill, and continuous presence on social networks has turned her into one of the most beloved stars. Interestingly, in 2020, Hande was chosen by an international poll as one of the most beautiful women in the world, and now, with over 30 million followers on Instagram, she holds a special place in the hearts of her fans.

Biography and Early Life

Hande Erçel was born on November 24, 1993 (Azar 3, 1372), in the city of Bandırma, Balıkesir Province, Turkey. She has an older sister named Gamze Erçel, who is known as a social media influencer. Hande spent her childhood alongside her grandparents, where her passion for art blossomed at a young age. Her father works in the field of electronic equipment sales, and her mother, Aylin Erçel, despite her tough struggles, passed away in 2019. The unwavering support of her family has always been her strong point on the path to success.

Academically, Hande was accepted to Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul to study Visual Arts (Traditional Design). Although she was unable to complete her studies due to professional commitments, being in an artistic university environment played a significant role in cultivating her creativity and taste. Additionally, prior to entering the acting world, she participated in the “Miss Turkey” beauty pageant in 2012; at the age of 19, she won first place and later earned the runner-up title in the international Miss Civilization of the World contest.

Professional Path and Artistic Activities

After her initial successes in beauty and modeling contests, Hande Erçel stepped into the realm of acting. Her first experiences included short roles in the TV series “Çalıkuşu” (2013) and “Deli Dumrul University Class” (2014).

Her professional turning point came in 2015 with the role of Selin in the teenage drama series “Güneşin Kızları” (“Girls of the Sun”). Broadcast on Kanal D, this series attracted considerable attention, and Hande’s energetic performance brought her fame.

In 2016, by starring in the romantic-comedy series “Aşk Laftan Anlamaz” (“Love Doesn’t Understand Words”) opposite Burak Deniz, Hande made a great stride toward international popularity. This work gained numerous fans not only in Turkey but also in other countries.

Afterward, she appeared in other series such as “Siyah İnci” (“Black Pearl,” 2017), “Halka” (“The Ring,” 2019), and “Azize” (2019), each showcasing different aspects of her acting abilities. Undoubtedly, the pinnacle of Hande’s artistic career was the popular series “Sen Çal Kapımı” (“You Knock on My Door”) during 2020-2021, where playing the character Eda Yıldız brought her to the height of her popularity.

Besides television, Hande Erçel also ventured into cinema; in 2019, she took the role of Kimia Khatun in the film “Mest-i Aşk,” directed by Hassan Fathi. This joint Iranian-Turkish film was released in 2024 and attracted the interest of cinema enthusiasts.

Achievements and Honors

Hande Erçel’s success has been accompanied by receiving numerous awards and honors:

• Miss Turkey (2012): Winning first place in the Miss Turkey contest and earning the runner-up title at the international level.
• Golden Butterfly Awards: Receiving the “Rising Star” award in 2015 and multiple nominations in subsequent years for Best Acting.
• International Honors: Being selected as one of the most beautiful women in the world in the Top Beauty World ranking (2020) and the success of the series “Shakhs-e Digaree” (“Another Person”) at the Rose d'Or Festival (2023).
• Fashion Awards: Honored at the Elle Style Awards (2022) and winning the Best Fashion Collaboration of the Year with the Nocturne brand (2024).

Personal Life

Hande Erçel’s personal life has always drawn the attention of the media and her fans. Although she has not married yet, she has been in various romantic relationships over the years. Her first serious relationship was with actor Ekin Mert Daymaz from 2015 to 2017, followed by an engagement to the famous Turkish singer Murat Dalkılıç until 2020.

In 2020, simultaneously with her role in the series “Sen Çal Kapımı” (“You Knock on My Door”), a relationship formed between Hande and her co-star Kerem Bürsin. Although this relationship ended in early 2022, a friendly connection remains between them. Since 2023, Hande has been involved with Hakan Sabancı, a young businessman and heir to one of the wealthiest families in Turkey.

In addition, Hande is a family-oriented individual; her close relationship with her older sister Gamze and her strong affection for spending time with her niece Mavi are notable aspects of her personal life. Furthermore, an interest in pets is among her other personal passions.

Her interest in football (especially supporting the Fenerbahçe Istanbul team) and her passion for Hollywood cinema reflect a youthful and energetic mindset that is always looking for new experiences; she even hopes one day to act alongside stars like Ryan Gosling and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Influence in the Fashion and Cinema Industry

As a young star, Hande Erçel has had a significant impact on Turkey’s entertainment and fashion industries. Her successful series, such as “Aşk Laftan Anlamaz” (“Love Doesn’t Understand Words”) and “Sen Çal Kapımı” (“You Knock on My Door”), have attracted audiences not only in the country but internationally, introducing Turkish drama to a broader world.

In the realm of fashion, Hande’s distinctive style and on-trend choices inspire young people. She has served as the advertising face of brands like L’Oréal, and her photos are featured in prominent magazines such as Elle and Vogue Turkey. Whenever she attends fashion events or discusses her daily styles, the influence on current fashion trends is clearly visible.

Presence on Social Networks

One of the main reasons for Hande Erçel’s popularity is her tireless activity and genuine interaction on social media. Her official Instagram page, with the handle @handemiyy, has over 30 million followers, allowing fans to closely follow her life moments and behind-the-scenes work.

Hande also uses this platform to support charitable campaigns and raise awareness about social issues, sharing her positive messages with care and emotion.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hande Erçel

• Has Hande Erçel gotten married?

  She has not married so far, and she has previously been in a few romantic relationships, including with Kerem Bürsin. According to reports, she is currently in a relationship with Hakan Sabancı.

• Who is Hande Erçel’s sister?

  Hande’s older sister, Gamze Erçel, is known as an influencer on social media. Their close bond and Hande’s strong affection for her niece Mavi are among the standout features of her life.

• What awards and honors has Hande Erçel received?

  She has received multiple awards, including “Rising Star” at the Golden Butterfly Awards (2015), being chosen as the most beautiful woman in the world (2020), and the success of “Another Person” at the Rose d’Or Festival (2023). She has also been honored multiple times at fashion ceremonies, further boosting her professional credibility.

• What is Hande Erçel’s Instagram page and how many followers does she have?

  Her official Instagram page is @handemiyy, with over 30 million followers, making her one of the top-followed Turkish actresses.

• How tall is Hande Erçel?

  Her height is about 172 cm (approximately 5’8”), and her weight is reported to be between 50 and 55 kg, which is a suitable combination for success in modeling.