Anyma concert in Istanbul canceled following visual controversy

The scheduled concert of Italian-Argentine DJ Anyma at the Ataköy Marina Arena in Istanbul has been canceled following a decision by the Istanbul Governorship.

The cancellation follows intense controversy regarding the artist’s highly produced stage visuals. Various Turkish media outlets and social media users have interpreted elements of the show as containing satanic, occult, or pagan symbols. The religious union Mil-Diyanet-Sen specifically criticized the performance, labeling the visuals as “black magic” and calling on the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Culture to prevent the event.

Reports indicate that the visual language of the show, directed by digital artist Alessio De Vecchi, often features dark aesthetics, mythological references, and themes of human-machine transformation. While local media have linked the cancellation directly to these controversial images, the Istanbul Governorship has not yet provided a detailed official justification for the ban.