© Umit Bektas / Reuters
Speaking in a live broadcast address following a meeting with the National Security Council in the capital of Ankara, the Turkish leader said the decision was not against the rule of law, and did not violate any democratic freedoms.
"The purpose of the state of emergency is to most effectively and swiftly take steps necessary to eliminate the threat to democracy in our country," he said, as cited by Anadolu Agency.
Erdogan claimed the coup attempt might not have ended and there could be "more plans" to forcefully seize power in the country, AFP reported.
He added that European states have no right to criticize the decision to declare a state of emergency.
Earlier in the day, the Turkish president told French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault "to mind his own business," after the French warned Ankara about the crackdown that followed the failed coup. "If he wants a lesson in democracy he can very easily get a lesson in democracy from us," Erdogan said in an interview with Al Jazeera, as cited by AFP.
Erdogan said the ongoing "cleansing" operation in the country, implemented to punish attempted coup plotters and supporters, would continue, adding that he is working with the armed forces to rid Turkey's military of the "virus."
Speaking to Al Jazeera, the Turkish leader said he and his government would not let the "minority" dominate the "majority". "As long as we join hands and accompany the people, the tanks can do nothing," he said.
Now the killings begin.