Acun Ilıcalı, the prominent Turkish television producer and media mogul, has captivated public attention not only with his groundbreaking shows and business ventures but also with his dynamic personal life. Over the years, Ilıcalı's romantic journey has unfolded in the public eye, marked by significant relationships, marriages, and the growth of his family. His love story reflects a man who has navigated both immense professional success and deeply personal connections, often under the intense scrutiny of the media.
Ilıcalı's first significant public relationship was with Seda Başbuğ. The couple exchanged vows in 1988, marking the beginning of his adult romantic life. Their marriage, which lasted for a period, resulted in the birth of his eldest daughter, Banu Ilıcalı. Despite their eventual separation, the two maintained a respectful relationship, particularly concerning their shared daughter.
Following his divorce from Seda Başbuğ, Acun Ilıcalı entered a long-term relationship with Zeynep Yılmaz. Their romance began in the early 2000s, and they officially married in 2003. This marriage was a significant chapter in Ilıcalı's life, as they welcomed two daughters, Leyla and Yasemin, into their family. Their relationship was often portrayed as stable and private, away from the intense media glare that would later define his subsequent romances.
However, reports of marital difficulties began to surface, leading to a period of on-again, off-again separation. Despite attempts to reconcile, their marriage ultimately came to an end. The couple officially divorced in 2016, concluding a union that spanned over a decade and saw them raise a family together. The reasons for their separation were largely kept private, though media speculation often pointed to other relationships.
During his marriage to Zeynep Yılmaz, Acun Ilıcalı's relationship with Şeyma Subaşı became public knowledge. Their romance began while he was still married, leading to considerable media attention and public discussion. Their daughter, Melisa Ilıcalı, was born in 2013, further solidifying their bond and bringing their relationship more into the spotlight. This period was marked by significant public scrutiny and controversy.
After his divorce from Zeynep Yılmaz, Acun Ilıcalı and Şeyma Subaşı made their relationship official. They celebrated their marriage in a lavish ceremony in Saint-Tropez, France, in September 2017, an event that garnered widespread media coverage. Their union was highly publicized, with Subaşı often sharing glimpses of their opulent lifestyle on social media, making them one of Turkey's most talked-about couples.
Despite the fairytale wedding and public displays of affection, their marriage was relatively short-lived. Acun Ilıcalı and Şeyma Subaşı announced their divorce in November 2018, just over a year after their wedding. The split was reportedly amicable, with both parties stating their commitment to co-parenting their daughter, Melisa. The rapid end to their high-profile marriage once again became a major topic in Turkish media.
In the years following his divorce from Şeyma Subaşı, Acun Ilıcalı's romantic life continued to evolve. He began a relationship with Ayça Çağla Altunkaya, a young woman who quickly became a prominent figure by his side. Their relationship became public around 2020, and since then, Altunkaya has frequently accompanied Ilıcalı to various public events, including sports matches and social gatherings, indicating a serious and committed partnership.
Their relationship has been characterized by a more private approach compared to his previous high-profile marriage. While they are often seen together, they tend to keep details of their personal life out of the intense media glare. As of recent reports, Acun Ilıcalı and Ayça Çağla Altunkaya continue to be in a committed relationship, often sharing moments from their travels and daily lives on social media, albeit with a more understated presence than his past romances. Ilıcalı's romantic journey reflects a life lived largely in the public eye, marked by significant partnerships and the enduring love for his children.