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Turkish authorities have banned a concert by Italian-Argentine electronic musician Anyma that had been scheduled for Sept. 12 in Istanbul, after stage visuals used in his live show were linked online to satanic and pagan imagery, triggering a wave of public criticism.
The performance, part of the artist's newly announced world tour, was set to take place at Atakoy Marina Arena. The Istanbul Governorate issued a formal decision blocking the event from going ahead, according to reports.
The controversy centered on Anyma's futuristic stage design, which includes digital animations and robotic figures. Social media users circulated claims that elements of the visuals resembled satanic symbols and ritualistic imagery, a characterization that split public opinion between supporters of the artist and critics calling for the show to be scrapped.
As the claims spread online, calls for the concert's cancellation intensified, placing pressure on local officials to intervene.
Following the growing backlash, the Istanbul Governorate ruled against allowing the concert to proceed. With the ban in place, the debate over the imagery used in Anyma's production has continued, with discussion focused on the symbols alleged to appear in his stage visuals.
The cancellation follows a string of similar bans on Istanbul concerts earlier this year, in which artists were accused of promoting satanism through their stage shows or lyrics. In February, the Besiktas District Governorate canceled scheduled performances by the Russian band Slaughter to Prevail and the Polish band Behemoth at Zorlu Performing Arts Center, citing concerns over public order and "social values" under Turkish laws governing public assembly.
Authorities also imposed a two-day ban on all events at the venue.
Slaughter to Prevail frontman Alex Terrible rejected the accusations at the time, saying n group had pressured the government by claiming the band promoted satanic propaganda, which he called untrue.
Days later, Irish instrumental group God Is An Astronaut had its Istanbul concert at the same venue canceled hours before showtime, despite the band having already traveled to the city.
Guitarist Torsten Kinsella said the group was "deeply disappointed" and had been "fully prepared for the show" when it was called off.
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