Hande Yener facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hande Yener
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![]() Yener performing at the Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre, August 2014
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Born |
Makbule Hande Özyener
12 January 1973 |
Education | Erenköy Girls High School (left) |
Occupation |
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Spouse(s) |
Uğur Kulaçoğlu
(m. 1990; div. 1994) |
Children | 1 |
Musical career | |
Genres |
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Instruments | Vocals |
Years active | 1994–present |
Labels |
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Makbule Hande Özyener (born January 12, 1973), known as Hande Yener, is a famous Turkish singer and songwriter. She became a big name in Turkish pop music in the early 2000s with many hit songs that reached the top of the music charts.
Besides her music, Hande is known for her unique fashion and for changing her look many times over the years. She has also experimented with different music styles. For a while, she made electronic music before returning to pop. Throughout her career, she has been a popular topic in magazines and newspapers.
Contents
Life and Career
1973–1999: How She Got Started
Makbule Hande Özyener was born in Kadıköy, Istanbul, on January 12, 1973. From a young age, she dreamed of becoming a singer. After middle school, she wanted to study music at a conservatory, but her family had other plans. She went to Erenköy Girls High School but left before graduating.
At 17, she married Uğur Kulaçoğlu, and they had a son named Çağın. The couple later divorced in 1994.
To follow her dream, Hande was determined to meet the famous singer Sezen Aksu. While working as a sales assistant in a store, she met another celebrity, Hülya Avşar, who helped introduce her to Aksu. Hande then worked as a backup singer and assistant for Sezen Aksu for two years. This was a huge step in her journey to becoming a star.
2000–2006: Becoming a Pop Star
Hande Yener released her first album, Senden İbaret, in 2000. Her first hit song, "Yalanın Batsın," became very popular in Turkey during the summer. People were surprised by how quickly she became famous. That year, she won the Best Newcomer award at the Golden Butterfly Awards.
Her second album, Sen Yoluna... Ben Yoluma... (2002), was a massive success. It sold over one million copies and won an award for the Best-Selling Album. Songs like "Sen Yoluna... Ben Yoluma..." and "Evlilik Sandalı" were big hits.
In 2004, she released Aşk Kadın Ruhundan Anlamıyor. This album had more hit songs, including "Acele Etme" and "Kırmızı." It sold 400,000 copies and was very popular.
Two years later, her album Apayrı (2006) showed a change in her music style. She started to mix pop with other sounds like house music and R&B. Some critics loved her new direction, while others were surprised. The album included hits like "Kelepçe" and "Aşkın Ateşi."
2007–2009: The Electronic Music Years
In 2007, Hande Yener completely changed her style with the album Nasıl Delirdim?. She moved from pop to electronic music. This was a bold move, and while some critics praised her for being creative, it was different from her previous work. The songs "Kibir" and "Romeo" became major hits from this album.
She continued with electronic music on her next albums, Hipnoz (2008) and Hayrola? (2009). Although these albums were liked by critics, they didn't sell as well as her pop albums. This period showed her willingness to take risks and try new things with her music.
During this time, Hande also became known for supporting the rights of the LGBT community in Turkey. In 2009, she even participated in the Istanbul Pride march.
2010–2019: Return to Pop and More Hits

In 2010, Hande announced she was returning to pop music. Her album Hande'ye Neler Oluyor? was a big success. The songs "Sopa" and "Bodrum" became huge hits, with "Bodrum" reaching number one on the charts. This marked her successful return to the pop scene.
She continued to release popular albums like Teşekkürler (2011) and Kraliçe (2012). In 2013, her single "Ya Ya Ya Ya" was one of the most played and downloaded songs in Turkey.
Her 2014 album, Mükemmel, also produced hits like "Naber" and "Alt Dudak." She worked with different songwriters, always looking for fresh sounds.
In 2016 and 2017, she released Hepsi Hit Vol. 1 and Hepsi Hit Vol. 2. These albums gave her more chart-topping songs, including "Mor" and "Bakıcaz Artık." By the end of 2017 and 2018, she was one of the most played artists on Turkish radio and TV.
2020–Present: Still Making Music
In 2020, Hande celebrated her 20th year in the music industry by releasing the album Carpe Diem. The title means "seize the day" in Latin. The album featured collaborations with many different artists and showed that she was still a creative force in Turkish music.
In 2021, she shared that she had recovered from breast cancer a year earlier, inspiring many with her story of strength. She continues to make music and perform for her fans.
Artistry and Image
Musical Style
Hande Yener is known for her powerful voice and for not being afraid to change her musical style. She started with Turkish pop music but later explored electronic, house, and dance music. She has said she likes to keep her music fresh and surprise her audience.
Many of her songs are about strength, independence, and love. She has worked with famous songwriters like Altan Çetin and Sinan Akçıl, but she has also written many of her own songs.
Influences and Image
Hande Yener has said that she was inspired by Turkish singers like Sezen Aksu and Ajda Pekkan. She is also a big fan of international pop star Madonna. Like Madonna, Hande is known for her energetic stage performances and for changing her image with each new album.
Her fashion choices are often bold and talked about in the press. She has appeared with many different hairstyles and outfits, making her a style icon for many of her fans.
Helping Others
Hande Yener has been involved in many charity projects. She cares a lot about helping children and has supported foundations for children with leukemia and cancer.
She has also supported animal rights and environmental causes. In 2010, she joined a Greenpeace campaign against nuclear power in Turkey. She has performed at benefit concerts to help victims of earthquakes and to support students in need.
Discography
- Senden İbaret (2000)
- Sen Yoluna... Ben Yoluma... (2002)
- Aşk Kadın Ruhundan Anlamıyor (2004)
- Apayrı (2006)
- Nasıl Delirdim? (2007)
- Hipnoz (2008)
- Hayrola? (2009)
- Hande'ye Neler Oluyor? (2010)
- Teşekkürler (2011)
- Kraliçe (2012)
- Mükemmel (2014)
- Hepsi Hit Vol. 1 (2016)
- Hepsi Hit Vol. 2 (2017)
- Carpe Diem (2020)
- Afrodizyak (2023)
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Hande Yener para niños