Hakan Sabancı and Hande Erçel remain one of the most talked-about couples in Turkish celebrity news. Their relationship has long been the subject of speculation, especially when they are not seen together in public. Most recently, rumors of a breakup started swirling again after Erçel was seen returning alone from Paris.
Upon her arrival at the Istanbul Airport, reporters quickly noticed that Sabancı was not by her side. When asked about his absence, Hande responded clearly:
“Hakan wasn’t with me because it was a work trip. He usually doesn’t come on business trips. We travel together more often during holidays.”
That statement seemed to calm speculation for a while. But just a few days later, Hakan Sabancı was seen leaving a venue in Etiler alone. Naturally, the press jumped at the chance to ask about the current status of his relationship.
When a reporter asked, “We haven’t seen Hande with you in a while. Rumors of a breakup are circulating. Is your relationship still going?” Sabancı responded directly:
“There’s no such thing. It’s being misunderstood. We’re still together.”
His brief but clear denial appeared to put an end to the latest round of gossip.
The Relationship: Under the Spotlight
Hakan Sabancı, a member of the wealthy and influential Sabancı family, and Hande Erçel, a successful actress with a huge following in Turkey and abroad, first confirmed their relationship publicly last year.
Since then, they have often been seen vacationing in high-profile destinations. Social media has captured them in places like the Maldives, Bodrum, and Capri. Despite this visibility, they’ve kept most personal details private. That silence often fuels speculation.
When they’re not pictured together for weeks, rumors take over. One photo or trip without the other becomes headline news.
Their recent travel schedules reflect that balance. Hande is actively involved in several acting projects and brand partnerships. She travels for shoots, fashion events, and endorsements. Hakan, though a public figure, doesn’t follow her on every work trip.
Their relationship seems to follow a rhythm. They travel together when it’s personal time. They move separately when it's business.
Why the Rumors Persist
Several factors feed breakup rumors, especially in celebrity culture:
Public interest in the couple is high
Social media behavior (unfollowing, unliking) triggers speculation
Media coverage is relentless
Gaps in appearances are interpreted as problems
In Hande and Hakan’s case, every absence seems to require an explanation. The public wants visibility and confirmation. But that visibility is on the couple’s terms.
When celebrities speak on their relationships, they usually want to control the message. In this case, both have used direct, minimal comments to address the rumors without overexposing the relationship.
The Question That Went Unanswered
At the same appearance in Etiler, Hakan was asked another question—one unrelated to Hande. A reporter brought up his older brother, Hacı Sabancı, and Hacı’s son from a relationship outside of marriage.
The child, named Uzay, is reportedly four years old. The journalist asked whether Uzay had been accepted by the Sabancı family.
Hakan did not answer. He ignored the question and left the scene.
This moment raised new questions about family dynamics in one of Turkey’s most powerful and private families. But for now, those questions remain unanswered.
Privacy vs. Public Curiosity
Celebrity couples often struggle to balance privacy with public attention. Hande and Hakan are no exception. They have made a clear effort to avoid becoming tabloid fixtures.
But their fame makes that difficult.
Hande Erçel has over 30 million followers on Instagram
Hakan Sabancı is part of a billionaire family, always in the public eye
Every appearance, or lack of one, becomes content.
The couple’s strategy seems to be quiet consistency. Address rumors when they get too loud. Avoid over-sharing. Appear together when it matters.
But even a week of silence online can fuel wild theories. That’s the nature of modern celebrity.
Looking Ahead
Will Hande and Hakan stay together long-term? Only they know.
What’s clear is they are still together as of now. Both have denied any breakup. Both seem focused on their careers.
And both continue to live under constant public interest—where one airport sighting or unanswered question can spark another wave of gossip.
The couple’s future will likely remain a topic of speculation. But for now, they’re still standing.
Key Takeaways
Hakan Sabancı and Hande Erçel are still together
Recent rumors stemmed from separate travel and low visibility
Both have denied any breakup
Public interest in their relationship remains high
Hakan avoided a sensitive question about a family matter
The couple appears committed to maintaining privacy amid constant media attention
Would you stay in a public relationship under that kind of scrutiny?
How would you handle rumors if you were in their place?