Turkey's Islamist-rooted AK Party, led by religious conservatives, has won a resounding victory in the general election, triggering wild celebrations by its supporters across the country.

The country's major cities became a sea of orange, white and blue AKP flags, after supporters heard reports that the party had won nearly 50% of the vote.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan later greeted his jubilant supporters at the AKP's headquarters, pledging to pursue "economic and democratic reforms".

Turnout was more than 80%, as many people cut short their holidays to vote in what was described as a crucial poll for the country's future.

In Istanbul, large crowds then watched the outcome of the elections live on a giant screen.

As Turkey's army chief-of-staff voted, it remained unclear how the secular establishment, including the influential military, would react to the outcome.