The Turkish military claims to have seized control of the country amid reports of tanks and army jets in Istanbul and Ankara.
An announcer on Turkey's state broadcaster TRT has read out a live statement, reportedly on the orders of the military, saying the country is now being run by a "peace council".
It comes after the NTV broadcaster quoted the army as saying: "Power in the country has been seized in its entirety."
The Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has confirmed that military action is taking place, describing it as an illegal "attempt" by a faction of the army to seize power.
A Turkish state news agency is reporting that a top general is among several people being "held hostage" at the military headquarters in Ankara.
It follows media reports that ambulances have been seen in front of the building.
NTV is showing footage of tanks at the entrance to Istanbul's Ataturk airport.
It is reported that all flights have been cancelled in and out of the airport.
Military vehicles are said to be blocking two bridges in Istanbul, while military jets have been heard flying over the Turkish capital, Ankara.
According to Turkish media, the military statement said the army had taken action to: "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."
Mr Yildirim has called for calm, saying security forces are doing what is necessary to resolve the situation.
He warned that those responsible for this "illegal attempt " will pay the "highest price."
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