Role: Hayat Uzun Love Interest: Burak Deniz (as Murat Sarsılmaz)

If you ask any international fan for the ultimate Hande Erçel romantic storyline, this is it. Aşk Laftan Anlamaz (Love Doesn’t Understand Words) is the Turkish equivalent of The Devil Wears Prada meets Kdrama tropes. Hande played a clumsy, earnest assistant opposite Burak Deniz’s cold boss.

The chemistry here was volcanic. The "aggressive flirting," the office tension, and the infamous "eyebrow raise" of Deniz combined with Erçel’s tearful vulnerability made this a global sensation. The show is frequently cited as the gateway drug for Turkish drama addiction. The title Hande Erçel relationships gained international Google search traction because of this show; fans couldn't tell if Hande and Burak were acting or actually falling in love (they were just acting, but brilliantly).

While her real love life is intriguing, it is her romantic storylines on screen that have built an empire. Hande does not just act in romances; she architecturally builds them from the ground up using her eyes, her hesitation, and her explosive smile.

1. Hande & Burak Deniz – Aşk Laftan Anlamaz (2016)
The one that started it all.
As Hayat and Murat, Hande and Burak delivered the ultimate “poor girl/rich boss” fairy tale. Their banter was sharp, their kisses were legendary, and their off-screen friendship sparked years of “are they dating?” rumors. Even today, fans call this the K-Drama of Turkey—pure, addictive fluff with a side of sass.

2. Hande & Kerem Bürsin – Sen Çal Kapımı (2020-2021)
The global phenomenon.
Eda and Serkan—the enemies-to-lovers couple that broke streaming records worldwide. From fake engagements to real tears, Hande and Kerem’s chemistry was so volcanic that it blurred reality. Cue the infamous “Eda’s flower dress” and “Serkan’s jealousy mode.” This storyline didn’t just trend; it created a fandom that still debates if they were ever more than co-stars.

3. Hande & Barış Arduç – Bambaşka Biri (2023-2024)
The dark, twisted romance.
This time, Hande ditched the rom-com for a psychological thriller. As a journalist torn between a charming prosecutor (Barış) and a serial killer’s obsession, her love story became a dangerous game of trust. Critics praised her maturity—proving she can do toxic love just as well as fairy-tale love.

Following Dalkılıç, Hande was linked to businessman Hakan Sabancı. This relationship was more low-key but equally scrutinized. The two were spotted on yacht holidays and discreet dates, but the relationship fizzled out within a year. Unlike her previous romance, this split was amicable. Hande later stated in interviews that she values peace over drama, hinting that the constant media pressure was exhausting.

Hande’s most significant public relationship was with famous Turkish singer Murat Dalkılıç. The couple began dating in 2015 and got engaged in 2016. For years, they were the "power couple" of Turkish pop culture—attending awards shows, sharing holiday snaps, and collaborating on creative projects.

However, the romance was riddled with breakup rumors. They finally parted ways in 2019. The split was notably strained, with public accusations of infidelity and financial disputes leaking to the press. Hande remained largely silent, choosing to let her work speak for itself. This period was crucial because it coincided with her rise from "beautiful model" to "serious actress." Many fans believe that the emotional turbulence of this real-life heartbreak fed into her later, more powerful performances.