Gold imports in the first seven months were 94.12 tonnes. In 2011 as a whole, imports amounted to 79.70 tonnes, almost doubling from 42.49 tonnes a year earlier.

Turkey's gold imports last July were 10.46 tonnes, and demand from sanctions-strapped Iran is seen as the main reason for the rise.

Turkey's gold imports are typically higher during summer months, or the wedding season.