Defiant Turkish civilians (pictured middle) reclaimed the country from their own military after helping to end a coup by the army to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ordinary Turks confronted rifle-wielding soldiers, laid in front of tanks (pictured inset) and helped police officers to arrest rebels (top left and right) in an effort to take back control of the country, ignoring a curfew issued by coup plotters designed to allow the army to bring down the government unopposed. President Erdogan called on people to take to the streets, leading to reports of groups of soldiers surrendering at several key locations in Ankara and Istanbul, including Bosphorus Bridge, where 100 rebels laid down their arms and submitted themselves to advancing civilians and police officers. Some 104 plotters were killed (shown bottom left) after the coup attempt to bring down the Turkish government, while 160 people - at least 41 of them police and 47 civilians - fell as 'martyrs'.
Turkish president Recep Erdogan broadcast to the nation of FaceTime calling on the population to take to the streets to oppose a military coup. Loud explosions were reported in Ankara with military jets spotted flying low over the city. The military announced it had deposed the government to protect civil right and because of the growing terrorist problem along Turkey's border with Syria. Erdogan claimed he is still in control during his FaceTime broadcast. Troops seized strategic locations such as airports and bridges. The United States and Russia has expressed concern over developments as has Turkey's neighbour Iran.President Erdogan has vowed revenge on those who tried to oust him in a bloody military coup that killed 42 people as his supporters clashed with the rebel forces in the streets of Turkey.
The Turkish president warned that the members of the military behind the attack would pay a 'heavy price for their treason' as he blamed his rival Fethullah Gulen for orchestrating the uprising.
Muslim cleric Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Saylorsburg, Philadelphia as the head of a billion dollar religious movement, has often been the scapegoat for political unrest.
As President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made his triumphant return back to Istanbul after his forces quelled the coup on Friday evening, he told the gathered masses as Ataturk Airport that those loyal to Gulen had 'penetrated the Armed Forces and the police, among other government agencies, over the past 40 years.'
'What is being perpetrated is a rebellion and a treason,' Mr. Erdogan said. 'They will pay a heavy price for their treason to Turkey.'
Gulen's nonprofit organization, the Alliance for Shared Values, denies any involvement and condemned the actions of the Turkish military.
Turkish military has killed at least 42 people - 17 of those police officers - in the army's bid to overthrow the Islamic government. Elsewhere troops opened fire on civilians attempting to cross the river Bosporus in Istanbul in protest to the military coup, while a bomb has hit the parliament building according to the state's press agency as the security situation in the country becomes more perilous.
The US Department of Bureau of Consular Affairs had all Americans in Turkey to stay where they are and not to attempt to go to the US embassy or consulates.
Colonel Muharrem Kose reportedly lead the Turkish military forces in the uprising.
Kose had recently been kicked out of the army, from his position as head of the military's legal advisory department, over his links to Gulen. He was killed during the clashes with Erdogan's supporters, sources report.
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A man lay down in front of a tank on the approach to Ataturk airport in Istanbul as citizens took to the streets to oppose the military coup
The man then stood up and took off his shirt in an effort the present the tank from taking position in the airport
People carry a man shot during clashes with Turkish military at the entrance to the Bosphorus bridge in Istanbul
At least 42 died and countless others were injured during the clashes with Turkish military, pictured is a man shot at the entrance to the Bosphorus bridge in Istanbul
Unarmed civilians carried a man believed to have been shot by Turkish troops away from the Bosphorus bridge in Istanbul
17 police are believed to have died after military helicopters attacked their headquarters building in central Ankara, pictured
A tank in central Ankara drove over a car as protesters clambered aboard preventing it from moving across the city in Turkey's coup
President Recep Erdogan, pictured centre, made a triumphant return to Istanbul following a botched military coup in Turkey
President Erdogan (pictured after the unsuccessful coup) has vowed revenge on those who tried to oust him in a bloody military coup that killed 42 people as his supporters clashed with the rebel forces in the streets of Turkey
As military took to the streets, Erdogan had urged his supporters to ignore a curfew and take back control of the country.
Tanks and armoured personnel carriers tried to seize strategic points in Istanbul and Ankara but were faced down by unarmed civilians.
However, reinforcements in tanks were blocked from the area by unarmed civilians who lay down in front of the heavy armour.
So far, 120 connected to the attempted coup have been arrested.
According to data on Flight Radar 24, Erdogan's private jet circled for almost 30 minutes before landing in Istanbul.
Addressing the media after landing, Erdogan said those behind the coup had committed treason and would face a 'heavy price'.
During the night, both the civilian government and the military claimed they were in control of the country, with reports of sporadic gunfire and explosions.
At least 17 police officers have been killed and several protesters have also been shot.
The dramatic coup lasted approximately five hours.
Explosions rocked the nation's parliament building as well as the police special forces headquarters, which was razed to the ground.
Despite claims the civilian government had regained control, reports from near the parliament said tanks had opened fired and blasted the building.
There are also reports of explosions at the airport.
Police and soldiers have exchanged fire in Taksim square in Istanbul.
Eyewitnesses claimed 30 soldiers in the square have surrendered to police loyal to Erdogan.
A number of F-16 fighter jets screamed across the square at low level blasting the area with a sonic boom.
Turkey's parliamentary building was bombed during the coup, as this picture shows the devastation from the explosive
Windows were smashed, doors blown off their hinges after the bomb on the parliamentary building. It is not yet clear if anyone was hurt in the blast
Thousands gathered, many carrying Turkish flags, in Ordu, Turkey after a rebel faction of the military staged a coup
Protesters blocked the tanks from seizing the airport, which allowed President Erdogan to make his triumphant return to Istanbul
Turkish army's tank entered the Ataturk Airport during the coup where witnesses say they heard explosive noises
Earlier, the Turkish military killed 17 police officers in the first reported fatalities in the army's bid to overthrow the Islamic government of Recep Erdogan.
The state-run Anadolu agency said the victims died at the special forces headquarters in Ankara.
Earlier there were reports that he building had been attacked by helicopters.
Elsewhere troops have opened fire on civilians attempting to cross the river Bosporus in Istanbul in protest to the military coup.
Soldiers seized strategic locations across Istanbul and Ankara in an effort to overthrow the Islamic president Recep Erdogan.
Also, a bomb has hit the parliament building according to the state's press agency as the security situation in the country becomes more perilous.
Several police officers and parliament workers were wounded as an explosion ripped though the building.
An eyewitness claimed the blast was 'massive' and shook nearby buildings.
Intelligence sources close to Erdogan claim the situation is back under control while factions in the military insist they are now in charge of the county.
Amid the continuing chaotic scenes, soldiers have taken control of the headquarters of the Dogan Media Group. A journalist broadcasting live on the station said she did not know how much longer she will be able to continue on the air.
Eyewitnesses have reported shots being fired in Ankara several hours after members of the military attempted their coup
Troops have established checkpoints across strategic locations in cities around Turkey and have imposed martial law
After several hours of protests, protesters began clashing with troops amid reports that civilians have been shot by soldiers
According to reports, several people have been injured after troops opened fire on civilians who attempted to cross the bridge over the Bosphorous.
Erdogan urged his supporters to ignore a military curfew and take to the streets to oppose the attempted takeover.
He told followers on FaceTime to resist.
He said the uprising attempt was being run by a minority within the armed forces and said it would be met with the 'necessary response'.
It is understood that Mr Erdogan fled the country in a private jet.
The Turkish military has announced it has taken control and overthrown the government of Recep Erdogan as troops round up police and attack the capital Ankara.
The nation's national intelligence spokesman said the coup had been 'repelled', although troops and heavy armour continued to hold strategic locations in Ankara.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg backed key ally Turkey's 'democratic institutions'
He said: 'I call for calm and restraint, and full respect for Turkey's democratic institutions and its constitution. Turkey is a valued NATO Ally.'
Stoltenberg added: 'I have just spoken to the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. I am following events in Turkey closely and with concern.'
US Secretary of State John Kerry also spoke with Cavusoglu. He stressed America supported the democratically-elected civilian government.
The Pentagon also stressed they were monitoring the situation. They said there taking steps to ensure the safety of US personnel and their families at in Incirlik airbase.s to ensure the safety and well-being of diplomatic missions and personnel and civilians throughout Turkey.
Civilians lay in the street in front of tanks to prevent them from rolling through Ankara as part of the ongoing military coup
Civilians took shelter behind a number of vans near the Turkish radio and television offices after an explosion ripped through the building
President Erdogan used 'FaceTime' to talk to a journalist on private run media to claim he was still in full control of the country
During the bizarre broadcast , Erdogan called on people to resist the military and ignore the military's curfew and take to the streets
Eyewitnesses have posted photographs of a large explosion in the capital Ankara amid the Turkish military takeover
Supporters of Erdogan clambered on top of a tank in Ankara to prevent it from taking a strategic position in the city
Turkey's government has called for people to take to the streets in order to protest against the military's attempted takeover
Turkish intelligence sources said the coup had been repelled although heavily armed troops continued to guard the streets
Erdogan urged his supporters to block the military and prevent them from seizing control of the country as part of the coup
Loud explosions have been heard across Ankara with reports of an explosion occurred at the state-run television building.
Turkey's state-run news agency reported military helicopters have also attacked the headquarters of TURKSAT satellite station on the outskirts of Ankara and the Ankara Police headquarters.
Dozens of tanks were seen moving toward a palace that is now used by the prime minister and deputy prime ministers.
Also, it was claimed that internet access within Turkey has been severely restricted with social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook blocked.
A civilian car tried to stop one of the tanks, but it rammed through the vehicle as those in the car escaped.
The Istanbul based first army commander Umit Dundar claimed those involved in the coup 'represent a small group' claiming 'there is no cause for concern'.
He told the Anadolu state-run news agency: 'We are working to solve the problem here. They represent a small group within the First Army Command. There is no cause for concern. We are taking the necessary precautions with (soldiers) who have not joined them and remain within the military chain of command.'
Police gathered near the Turkish General Staff building in Ankara as the country edged closer to a potential civil war
Erdogan's supporters ignored the military's curfew and assembled in front of soldiers who were stationed in Istanbul's Taksim square
Soldiers remained calm in Taksim square in Istanbul as supporters of President Erdogan clambered on top of statues in protest to the coup
A man covered in blood points towards the Bosphorus bridge where troops opened fire on civilians protesting against the coup
Eyewitnesses have reported attack helicopters firing machine guns in the capital Ankara in a bid to depose the Islamic government.
Also there are reports of that a Turkish Air Force F-16 has shot down a Sikorsky helicopter over Ankara.
The government claimed the jet destroyed the helicopter which had been 'hijacked by coup plotters'.
The military said they have taken control in order to protect human rights, however, prime minister Binali Yildirim said only a 'faction' was involved.
Fast attack jets and helicopters were heard above Ankara and Istanbul after the military confirmed they had seized control of the country,.
Istanbul's Bosphorus Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge were both closed after the military deployed roadblocks.
Tracer fire from Turkish military helicopters was spotted over Ankara with fast attack jets flying combat air patrols over the city.
President Erdogan is reported 'as safe'. A spokesman for the Turkish government claimed the coup has been unsuccessful and they are still in power.
Erdogan used FaceTime to talk to a journalist on a privately run TV station to stress he was still in control of the country and warned of retaliation.
He urged the Turkish population to take to the streets and protest against he coup. The military has imposed a curfew and has ordered people to remain indoors.
Injured civilians were evacuated from the scene by ambulance as people stood up against troops involved in the military coup
Tanks and armoured personnel carriers protected barricades with dozens of infantry troops in support of the coup
Soldiers fired shots into the air to disperse supporters of Recep Erdogan from Taskim Square in central Istanbul
Tank drivers used their massive machines to drive over cars which had been used to block the road in central Istanbul
Commanders ordered their tanks to continue forward despite being blocked by civilians who parked their cars in the street
Thousands of people took to the streets after Prime Minister Binali Yildirim branded those involved in the coup as 'traitors'
Protesters tried to block the military tanks using their cars, however, some commanders refused to stop their mission
Erdogan is reported to be in a 'safe location' but is believed to be in Marmaris, near the popular resort of Bodrum.
He said the uprising attempt was being run by a minority within the armed forces and said it would be met with the 'necessary response'.
There are conflicting reports that Erdogan may have fled the country on a private jet.
On FaceTime, he said: 'I certainly believe that coup plotters will not succeed. I urge the Turkish people to convene at public squares and airports. I never believed in a power higher than the power of the people.'
He said he was still president and commander in chief. He vowed the insurrectionists would pay a 'very heavy price'.
Turkish Interior Minister Efkan Ala says very effective units from the chief of general staff's office, the Turkish armed forces and the police are responding to the attempted coup in the country.
Ala says they are responding to 'gangs who have taken cover in certain locations'.
He spoke by telephone to NTV television and also encouraged Turkish citizens to 'fearlessly go out and support our security forces'.
He says: 'We think it would be right for them to go out to the airports, to the streets, especially to the main arteries. As long as they do that this gang's attempts... they will be defeated no matter what.'
He added 'this is a gang that considers nothing sacred, not the people or the nation. They're taking certain actions.'
The security situation has got progressively worse during the evening with reports of the first deaths in Turkey's latest military coup
Turkish people appear to have heeded Erdogan's appeal to take to the streets to protest against the military takeover
Turkish police officers, believed to be loyal to the regime, have been massing near Taksim Square in Istanbul
Erdogan was elected president in 2014 after becoming prime minister in 2003 and served as the Mayor of Instanbul from 1994 to 1998.
He founded the Justice and Development Party, known as the AKP in 2001 and led it through three general elections.
He then stepped down as leader in 2003 when he was elected President.
He comes from an Islamist political background and is described as a conservative democrat.
He has proved to be a divisive character in Turkish society.
Erdogan has become increasingly unpopular with more educated and modernised people but he has denied wanting to impose Islamic values in the country.
Thousands of supporters in the city of Yozgat, about 100 miles east of Ankara demonstrated against the attempted military coup
Also in Bayburt, which is 50 miles south of the Black Sea, thousands of people protested in front of the Town Hall against the military
He has said he is committed to secularism but supports people's rights to express their religious beliefs openly.
The party which he founded, AKP, suffered a dip in the polls last summer, but regained popularity again after Turkey's worst suicide bombing in history last November.
He remains well-liked among the more traditional Muslim community in Turkey, who supported his bids to criminalise adultery and introduce alcohol-free zones in the country although they ultimately failed.
Mr Erdogan owes much of his political success to the stable economy over the last decade.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Vladimir Putin was 'deeply concerned about the news coming from Turkey'.
Peskov said Putin was being briefed by foreign ministry and intelligence services.
The Foreign Office has advised British citizens in Turkey to avoid public places
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson tweeted that he was 'very concerned' by the events unfolding in Turkey.
He said: 'Our Embassy is monitoring the situation closely. Brits should follow FCO website for advice.'
Each year 2.5 million Britons travel to Turkey for a holiday.
However, following a string of terrorist attack, visitor numbers have collapsed by approximately 35 percent.
Erdogan, pictured center, said he was going to 'cleanse the military' accusing those soldiers involved in the coup of 'treason'
Witnesses photographed a Turkish F-16 flying a combat air patrol over Ankara amid claims the military has seized control of the country
Tanks and armoured personnel carriers have seized the main airport in Ankara as well as strategic bridges in Istanbul
The Turkish military has launched an attempted coup to overthrow the government according to reports
The Turkish military has detained unarmed civilians, pictured, minutes after the coup was launched
Troops across the country have taken positions in strategic locations according to witnesses
In a statement sent by email and reported on Turkish TV channels, the military said all of Turkey's existing foreign relations would be maintained and that the rule of law would remain the priority.
According to the military tonight's action will 'reinstall the constitutional order, democracy, human rights and freedoms, to ensure that the rule of law once again reigns in the country, for the law and order to be reinstated'.
The military statement went on to say that 'all international agreements and commitments will remain. We pledge that good relations with all world countries will continue'.
According to the address read out of state TV: 'A curfew has been imposed until a second order.'
The military signed the statement on behalf of the 'Council for Peace in the Homeland'.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said he hoped the crisis in Turkey would soon be resolved while preserving peace, stability and a respect for 'continuity'.
Turkey's top general has been taken hostage at the military headquarters in the capital Ankara after an attempt to bring down the government, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.
'General Hulusi Akar has been taken hostage by a group in the military who attempted an uprising.'
President Erdogan has vowed to retaliate against the military. He appeared on a private TV station on a mobile phone which was held up to the camera. He is currently in an undisclosed location.
His officials claimed that Turkey's democratically elected government and president remain in power.
There are conflicting reports on whether Erdogan is still in the country. His prime minister has vowed to 'retaliate in kind'.
Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, pictured, described tonight's coup as illegal and has vowed to retaliate
Witnesses have claimed there have been reports of an explosion near a police academy in Turkey
Soldiers blocked Istanbul's Bosphorus Bridge which was lit in the French colours in solidarity with Nice
Troops have rounded up police officers loyal to the government, according to witnesses.
CNN Turkey showed two military vehicles and a group of soldiers lined up at the entrance of one of the bridges in Turkey's biggest city.
A Turkish official who did not want to be named said soldiers had been deployed in other cities in Turkey, but did not specify which ones.
Dogan News Agency reported the national police directorate summoned all police to duty in Ankara.
Turkish fighter jets have been reported over Ankara.
The military said they have moved due to 'rising autocratic rule and increased terrorism'.
A statement from the Turkish military was read out on state TV, pictured, citing the growing terror threat as the reason for the coup
Gunfire has been reported with fast attack jets lying combat air patrols over Ankara.
Yildirim on Friday denounced what he said was an 'illegal attempt' by elements in the military after bridges were partially shut down in Istanbul and jets flew low over Ankara.
'We are working on the possibility of an attempt. We will not allow this attempt,' he told NTV television by telephone, without expanding on the nature of the move but saying it was by a group in the Turkish military.
'Those who are in this illegal act will pay the highest price,' he added, saying it would not be correct to describe the move as a 'coup'.
Yildirim did not provide details, but said Turkey would never allow any 'initiative that would interrupt democracy'.
Earlier, military jets were heard flying over the capital, Ankara.
Media reports said ambulances were seen in front of Turkey's military headquarters.
Fast attack jets and helicopters have been reported over Ankara.
Gunshots have reportedly been heard near the presidential palace in Ankara.
Heavily armed troops have seized strategic locations across Ankara and Istanbul although the Government claims they are still in power
Turkish troops have seized Taksim Square in Istanbul amid conflicting reports that they have successfully overthrown the government
Erdogan, pictured, held a press conference outside a hotel room in the holiday resort of Marmaris and has vowed revenge
The mayor of Ankara has also reportedly called people onto the streets.
Yildirim didn't provide details, but said Turkey would never allow any 'initiative that would interrupt democracy.'
'We are focusing on the possibility of an attempt (coup),' Yildirim said. 'There was an illegal act by a group within the military that was acting out of the chain of military command. Our people should know that we will not allow any activity that would harm democracy.'
Earlier, military jets were heard flying over the capital, Ankara.
The Dogan news agency says one-way traffic on the Bosporus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges were blocked. Video footage showed the bridge being blocked by military vehicles.
All flights into Ankara and Istanbul have been cancelled.
The Saudi foreign minister in Washington said he is not willing to speculate as to what is currently happening.
All flights from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport have been cancelled/
Turkey's armed forces said on Friday they had taken power in the country to protect the democratic order and to maintain human rights.
The government claims the coup has not been successful however the military said have taken full control of the country
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on Turkey to avoid all 'bloodshed' amid reports of a coup.
In a joint press conference with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Lavrov said that 'problems in Turkey need to be resolved in accordance with the constitution'.
S oldiers blocked entry to Ataturk Airport where four tanks were stationed
Two other tanks and a military vehicle were stationed in front of the VIP terminal. The report said the soldiers had entered the tower and stopped all flights.
News reports said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was safe and would make a televised statement soon.
Turkey is an important member of NATO in a vital strategic location.
According to the White House: 'The president's national security team has apprised him of the unfolding situation in Turkey. The president will continue to receive regular updates.'
There are reports of major explosions in Ankara at the site of the Turkish state TV station.
European airlines have begun diverting aircraft that were en-route to Turkish airports after being alerted to the coup.
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