What was positioned to be one of the country’s largest electronic music events of the season has been officially shut down. The Istanbul government has revoked permission for Anyma to perform his globally acclaimed ÆDEN concept audio-visual show at the Ataköy Marina Arena on September 12.
The controversy began as authorities expressed concern over online discourse regarding the imagery used in the ÆDEN show, which some critics labeled as ‘Satanic.’ Localized campaigns across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) began circulating clipped moments from his world tour, framing the dark, cyberpunk aesthetic as overt ritualistic symbolism. As calls for a boycott gained momentum online, regional authorities stepped in, citing the need to uphold local cultural and societal values.
The cancellation follows a string of similar bans on Istanbul concerts earlier this year. The Irish instrumental group God Is An Astronaut had its Istanbul concert at the same venue canceled hours before showtime, with artists 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 the 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. The news is disappointing for fans, as the cancellation leaves thousands of ticket-holders in limbo regarding refund procedures and highlights the delicate balance international tour promoters face when bringing visually intense concepts to conservative markets. Neither Anyma nor his management team has issued an official public statement regarding the Istanbul cancellation at this time.
