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Hakan Sabanci’s online gesture sparks speculation after split from Hande Ercel

Hakan Sabanci (L), Hande Ercel (C) and Tuba Buyukustun (R) are seen in a digitally edited collage, Oct. 2025. (Photo collage by Patronlar Dunyasi)
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Hakan Sabanci (L), Hande Ercel (C) and Tuba Buyukustun (R) are seen in a digitally edited collage, Oct. 2025. (Photo collage by Patronlar Dunyasi)
October 06, 2025 03:35 PM GMT+03:00

Businessman Hakan Sabanci, who recently ended his relationship with actress Hande Ercel, has stirred curiosity with his latest social media gesture. The 33-year-old member of Türkiye’s prominent Sabanci family reportedly “liked” a photo of actress Tuba Buyukustun taken during Paris Fashion Week—only to remove the like shortly after realizing it had been noticed.

A screenshot shared by Turkish magazine HELLO! Türkiye shows actress Tuba Buyukustun posing in a grey checkered suit with black velvet collar details and a light blue blouse during Paris Fashion Week, Oct. 2025. (Photo via Instagram/@hellodergisi)
A screenshot shared by Turkish magazine HELLO! Türkiye shows actress Tuba Buyukustun posing in a grey checkered suit with black velvet collar details and a light blue blouse during Paris Fashion Week, Oct. 2025. (Photo via Instagram/@hellodergisi)

From public romance to silent breakup

Sabanci and Ercel, one of Türkiye’s most talked-about celebrity couples, had been together for about three years. They traveled widely and often appeared inseparable despite recurring rumors of separation.

The relationship’s end became clear when Ercel deleted all photos featuring Sabanci from her social media accounts—a move seen by many as confirmation that reconciliation was unlikely. Sabanci followed suit a week later, erasing his own posts with the actress.

Speculation around the split

The breakup drew widespread media attention, with speculation ranging from family disagreements to alleged infidelity. Even Arzu Sabanci, Hakan’s mother, who rarely speaks publicly, felt compelled to make a statement after the rumors intensified. While Hakan’s name has since been linked to several women, none of the alleged relationships have been confirmed.

Turkish actress Hande Ercel photographed during her visit to Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Italy, July 23, 2025. (Photo via Instagram/@handemiyy)
Turkish actress Hande Ercel photographed during her visit to Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Italy, July 23, 2025. (Photo via Instagram/@handemiyy)

Hande Ercel focuses on career success

Meanwhile, Hande Ercel has shifted her attention entirely to her career. The actress, known for her lead role in the new drama "Ask ve Gozyasi" (Love and Tears), recently appeared at both Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks, styled by İnan Kirdemir. Her Korean-inspired looks generated discussion online, with some criticism but mostly praise for her bold style choices.

Ercel has avoided making any remarks about her personal life, telling reporters she has “no intention” of speaking on the matter.

A heart, a click, and renewed curiosity

As Ercel continues to shine professionally, Sabanci’s brief interaction with Buyukustun’s post—quickly retracted—has reignited questions among fans and tabloids alike. Was it an innocent appreciation of fashion, an attempt to attract attention, or something else? For now, only one fact is certain: in Türkiye’s celebrity world, even a single online gesture can keep an entire audience guessing.

October 06, 2025 03:35 PM GMT+03:00
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