Turkey moves to calm investors after coup attempt quashed

The central bank said in a statement that it would take all necessary steps to support Turkey’s financial stability. Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said on his Twitter account that he’d spoken to Central Bank Governor Murat Cetinkaya and will hold a teleconference with international investors on Sunday.

“We’re on duty,” Simsek said. “No need to worry. Turkey normalizing rapidly after coup attempt repelled by nation. Our country’s macroeconomic foundations are solid.”

Turkey’s lira plunged the most against the dollar in eight years on Friday as tanks rolled through the streets of Ankara and Istanbul, while warplanes and helicopters circled overhead. Trading in stocks and bonds had already halted for the day and is scheduled to resume on Monday.

While quashed within hours, the failed takeover threatens to destabilise an economy that depends heavily on capital inflows to finance its current-account deficit. Turkey had already become less attractive to investors because of a wave of militant violence and the resurgence of government fighting with Kurdish separatists. 

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tightened his already formidable grip with a swift crackdown on opponents in the aftermath of the coup attempt, which left about 200 people dead.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said on Sunday that more than 6 000 people have been detained.