Merkez bankaları (central banks) are national institutions responsible for managing a country's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They play a crucial role in maintaining economic stability by controlling inflation and ensuring the financial system's health. Central banks also oversee commercial banks and implement monetary policy to influence economic activity. In addition to regulating the money supply, merkez bankaları often act as a lender of last resort during financial crises. They can provide liquidity to banks facing short-term difficulties, helping to prevent broader economic disruptions. Their decisions impact everything from consumer loans to international trade.