Turkish actress Hande Erçel and businessman Hakan Sabancı have ended their relationship after nearly three years together, according to Turkish media reports.
The couple, who had become one of the most prominent public pairs in Turkey’s entertainment and social circles, were widely expected to announce wedding plans. News of their separation has surprised fans who had followed their relationship closely.
Social media signs
Speculation about the couple’s status began when Erçel removed photographs of herself with Sabancı from her social media accounts. Images of the pair on holidays, at public events, and in private moments had been a regular feature of her profile. Their sudden disappearance was seen as the first indication of trouble.
Shortly afterwards, local media outlets confirmed that the couple had decided to part ways. Neither Erçel nor Sabancı has publicly commented on the reasons behind the breakup.
A high-profile romance
Erçel, one of Turkey’s most popular actresses with a significant international following, and Sabancı, an investor from one of the country’s most prominent families, first began appearing together publicly nearly three years ago.
Their relationship quickly became a focus of attention, with fans admiring their appearances at film premieres, fashion events and luxury holiday destinations. Photographs of the couple at high-profile gatherings often dominated Turkish celebrity news pages.
As recently as a few weeks ago, Erçel and Sabancı were seen together at a high-profile wedding in Lebanon. Their appearance fuelled speculation that an engagement might be imminent.
Fan reaction
The breakup has left fans surprised and disappointed. For more than two years, supporters of the couple had shared hopes that the relationship would end in marriage.
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions following the news, with many expressing disbelief at the end of what had been seen as one of Turkey’s most glamorous relationships.
Quiet separation
Despite the public nature of their romance, both Erçel and Sabancı have chosen to remain private about the reasons for their split. Reports in Turkish media suggest that the decision was mutual, though no official confirmation has been given.
Since the breakup, the two have been absent from joint public appearances and have pursued their lives separately. Erçel has continued to share updates about her professional projects, while Sabancı has kept a low profile.
End of a chapter
For nearly three years, Hande Erçel and Hakan Sabancı captured public attention as one of the most talked-about couples in Turkey. Their relationship combined the world of entertainment and high society, creating a narrative followed by millions of fans.
Now, with confirmation of their separation, their widely admired love story has come to a close, leaving admirers to reflect on what had seemed like a fairytale pairing.
