UPDATE- Turkish president casts his vote in Istanbul

UPDATES WITH MORE ERDOGAN QUOTES

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday cast his vote in Istanbul.

He arrived at Saffet Cebi Elementary School in Uskudar district accompanied by First Lady Emine Erdogan.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Erdogan praised the high voter turnout.

"It [turnout] displays how advanced Turkish democracy is and how developed its democratic maturity is.

"Turkey is experiencing a democratic revolution with this election," he added.

Erdogan further asserted that, with the new governing system, Turkey will be able to reach the level of contemporary civilizations.

The president will follow the elections initially in Istanbul and later arrive in Ankara during later hours to follow rest of the elections.

Turkish voters are casting their votes in presidential and parliamentary elections.

Voting started at 8.00 a.m. local time (0500GMT) and will continue through 5.00 p.m. local time (1400GMT).