ISTANBUL — Turkish actress Hande Erçel turned heads this week at the opening of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition 2026 in Qatar, once again drawing attention from a global fan base that has followed her rise from television romance star to international celebrity.

Erçel attended the exhibition's opening day on Monday, Sept. 28, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, wearing a black patterned gown with a draped black shawl and blue gemstone jewelry, including a necklace, earrings, ring and bracelet. She toured the event and viewed collections from leading jewelry and watch brands, according to Qatari media.

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The appearance is the latest in a series of high-profile international events for the 32-year-old actress, whose popularity stretches from Turkey across the Middle East, South Asia, Latin America and Europe.

Here are 10 things to know about Hande Erçel.

1. She was born in Bandırma, Turkey

Erçel was born on Nov. 24, 1993, in Bandırma, a port town in northwestern Turkey on the Sea of Marmara. She is the daughter of Aylin and Kaya Erçel and has an older sister, Gamze.

Her mother, Aylin, died of cancer in 2019. Erçel has frequently paid tribute to her mother on social media, and fans have followed her tributes closely over the years.

2. She studied traditional Turkish arts

Before becoming a household name, Erçel studied at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul, one of Turkey's most respected arts institutions, in its Department of........

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