"Those who keep foreign currency under their mattress should come and turn them into lira or gold," Erdogan said at the opening of an automotive showroom complex in Ankara, as quoted by the Hurriyet newspaper.
Erdogan expressed criticism against high interest rates and stressed that it was the only way to spur grow, according to the paper.
"Such moves will hit some people’s game. Do not worry. We will destroy this game together. We saw such things in 2007 and 2008. I then said the problems would not affect Turkey. I am now saying the same thing. The problems will not even touch us," the Turkish president added.
Erdogan noted that low interest rates would attract investors to the country, what would also contribute to the economic growth, while the government would simplify the transactions in national currency for state institutions and businesses, according to the newspaper.
After Erdogan's statement, Turkish lira reportedly slumped to a record low of 3.55 lira per dollar.
