Who Was Aylin Ercel?
Aylin Ercel was more than just the mother of Turkish actress and model Hande Ercel. She was a symbol of quiet resilience, grace, and unwavering love for her family. Though she kept a low profile, her influence shaped the lives and careers of her two daughters, Hande and Gamze.
Born on November 24, 1971, in Istanbul, Turkey, Aylin led a dignified life, choosing to stay away from the spotlight while raising her daughters with care and confidence.

Aylin Ercel’s Profile at a Glance
| Attribute | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Aylin Ercel | Turkish entrepreneur and mother |
| Date of Birth | November 24, 1971 | Born in Istanbul |
| Date of Death | January 10, 2019 | Passed away at 47 |
| Cause of Death | Cancer | Battled illness with strength |
| Ex-Husband | Kaya Ercel | Businessman and political figure |
| Children | Hande Ercel, Gamze Ercel | Both successful actresses and models |
Aylin was formerly married to Kaya Ercel, a prominent businessman and member of the Turkish parliament. The couple divorced in 1999, after which Aylin focused on raising her daughters. Her strength as a single mother became evident in how grounded and confident both Hande and Gamze turned out to be.
She prioritized privacy, rarely appearing in the public eye but always staying close to her children.
Aylin Ercel’s Final Years and Cause of Death
In 2019, after a long and private battle with cancer, Aylin Ercel passed away at the age of 47. Her death was a profound loss to her family. Hande and Gamze shared heartfelt tributes to their mother online, revealing how deeply she impacted their lives.
She was laid to rest in Istanbul, with close friends and family honoring her quiet but powerful legacy.

A Devoted Mother and Loving Grandmother
Aylin raised two daughters, Hande and Gamze, both of whom have become prominent figures in the Turkish entertainment industry. She was also a grandmother and cherished time with her grandsons — the sons of Gamze and her husband Kaan Gunay.
Though she was private, Aylin shared glimpses of her family on Facebook, often posting sweet moments with her grandchildren.
Aylin Ercel’s Physical Presence and Style
Aylin was admired for her natural elegance. With blonde hair, blue eyes, and a height of 5’6″ (168 cm), she was graceful and stylish. Her preference for subtle makeup and classy fashion made her quietly captivating. More than appearance, it was her warmth and positivity that left a mark on people around her.
Financial Life and Legacy
Though she didn’t live publicly, it is believed that Aylin lived comfortably. Her former husband Kaya Ercel has an estimated net worth of $100 million, with annual earnings from multiple ventures. While Aylin’s personal net worth wasn’t disclosed, she seemed to enjoy a stable and peaceful lifestyle focused on family and personal wellbeing.
Relationship Overview: Family Details
| Relation | Name | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Kaya Ercel | Businessman, Politician, MP |
| Daughters | Hande & Gamze | Actresses, Models |
| Grandchildren | Mavi & Masal | Sons of Gamze Ercel and Kaan Gunay |
| Ex-Husband | Kaya Ercel | Separated in 1999 |
| Sister/Brother | Not publicly known | Maintained privacy |
Aylin Ercel’s Impact on Her Daughters
Aylin was the emotional backbone of her family. She encouraged Hande Ercel’s rise to stardom and stood by Gamze’s career choices. Their public tributes and continuous mentions reflect a deep admiration for their mother’s character.
Her ability to raise two successful women while maintaining grace and privacy speaks volumes about her strength.
FAQs
Q1: When and where was Aylin Ercel born and where did she die?
A: Aylin was born on November 24, 1971, and passed away in Istanbul on January 10, 2019.
Q2: Who were Aylin Ercel’s children?
A: She had two daughters — Hande and Gamze Ercel — both working in Turkish film and fashion industries.
Q3: Who was Aylin’s ex-husband?
A: Her ex-husband was Kaya Ercel, a businessman and politician.
Q4: How did Aylin Ercel die?
A: She lost her battle with cancer at age 47. Her family commemorated her with loving tributes.
Q5: Did Aylin Ercel use social media?
A: She preferred privacy but occasionally used Facebook to share moments with her daughters and grandchildren.
Q6: How many grandchildren did she have?
A: Aylin had two grandsons from her daughter Gamze and son-in-law Kaan Gunay.
Final Thoughts
Aylin Ercel lived a life filled with quiet determination, deep maternal love, and personal strength. While she stayed away from fame, her influence is evident in the lives of Hande and Gamze. Her story is a reminder that behind every success is often a strong woman whose sacrifices go unseen.
Her legacy lives on — not through fame, but through the values she instilled in her family.
