The earthquake mainly shook the provinces of Elazig and Malatya, about 75 km east of the capital Ankara. People are reported to have sprung into the streets in panic.
TV pictures show how a multi-storey house has collapsed in the city of Maden. In nearby Sivrice, 4-5 buildings are said to have collapsed. Rescue workers concentrate efforts on the houses that have been demolished. In the food, many people are believed to be in the masses under the house that has collapsed.
The quake should also have been felt in several places in Syria and Lebanon, according to local media. Several aftershocks with a magnitude of around 5 have been measured.
According to Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, the army has been prepared to assist in the rescue work should it be needed.