Cakir, banned for two years in 2006 for doping, clocked ahead of compatriot Gamze Bulut and Bahrain's Maryam Yusuf Jamal.

US runner Morgan Uceny had another tumble at a major meet, crashing to the track at the start of the last lap and failing to finish the final. She was the leading 1500 runner leading into the world championships last year but fell in the final at Daegu.

The Turkish medal haul doubled the two silvers Ethiopian-born Elvan Abeylegesse won in the women’s 5000 and 10,000m in 2008.

Turkey’s two other Olympic track and field medals were bronzes won by Esref Apak in the men’s hammer in 2004 and Ruhi Sarialp in the men’s triple jump in 1948.

“We came here to take the gold and silver medals for this competition,” said Alptekin.

“I began athletics in the 1500m and when I came to junior level, the entry standard was so high that I tried steeplechase. Then my husband and coach said I am stronger in the 1500m so we made a choice to change,” Alptekin added.

Bulut said she was happy to have clocked a personal best alongside her close friend Alptekin.

“I was not the favorite before this competition but I did run a 4:06 in qualification and 4:01 in the semi-final and now this is my personal best,” she said.

“We take home two medals and I would like to say again, this is the Turkish power.

Of Alptekin, she said, “We are like sisters and we run every competition together.”