NBC reporting that Erdogan has requested asylum in Germany

Palpable shock in Istanbul
The atmosphere in Istanbul was one of palpable shock, Zia Weise reports.

As military helicopters circled above the city centre and soldiers locked down roads, bridges and airport, people flocked to the streets.

Then, as it became clear that the military was attempting a takeover, some relaxed - and others panicked.

Revellers enjoying a Friday night beer in Taksim hurried home, while dozens lined up at every ATM in the upscale Cihangir neighbourhood.

Soldiers surrounded Taksim Square, appearing calm, but while some shouted in anger at them, others broke out in applause and chanted the name of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Turkish Republic's founder.

"The current government is so bad, a lot of people expected a military takeover. I don't know if I'm happy about this but it can't be worse," said Murat, who applauded the soldiers.

Another woman shouted, laughing: "The AKP is finished!"  A young woman screamed: "Traitors!"

The divide in reaction might hint at what is to come. Few expected a military coup, as, after decades of military rule in the second half of the 1950, public opinion is considered as unfavourable to a takeover.