Anyma Concert Promoter Appeals Cancellation Over Satanic Allegations

An upcoming concert by electronic artist Anyma in Istanbul has been officially canceled, following a dispute centered on allegations concerning the visual content of his performances. The event, initially slated for September 12 at Istanbul’s Ataköy Marina Arena as part of Anyma’s ÆDEN tour, was abruptly halted after local authorities revoked the necessary permits.

The cancellation arose amid claims by various religious factions that the visuals accompanying Anyma’s live set contained satanic imagery. Affected parties petitioned the Turkish Ministry of Culture, which led to the withdrawal of official authorization for the show. Anyma, whose real name is Matteo Milleri, publicly contested these accusations, stating that the contentious visuals had been manipulated through artificial intelligence to falsely represent his artistic intent.

Milleri emphasized that the original visuals were authentic and not AI-generated. He highlighted the irony that AI technology was used by critics to distort his work into a narrative that he argues mischaracterizes the performance. He also expressed frustration over the absence of prior dialogue with the authorities, noting that neither he nor his team were given a chance to clarify or contextualize the content before the cancellation decision was enacted.

In response to the permit revocation, the concert’s Turkish promoter filed a subsequent application requesting reconsideration, attaching a statement from Anyma to address the concerns raised. Despite this effort, the Istanbul Provincial Police Department issued a formal denial of the reinstatement on September 7. Their official communication cited potential public safety risks, indicating that divergent public opinions and reactions could escalate into confrontations, thereby threatening order and security.

The police department underscored that ensuring the safety of attendees under the current conditions posed significant challenges. Consequently, they deemed hosting the concert inappropriate from a public security standpoint. This development places the event on indefinite hold, despite the promoter’s appeal to resume the scheduled performance.

The cancellation of Anyma’s Istanbul date reflects a broader pattern of restrictions imposed on international music acts in Turkey over recent years. Artists across genres, including Robbie Williams and metal bands like Behemoth and Slaughter to Prevail, have faced cancellations or permit denials linked to concerns over religious sensitivities, political contexts, or public safety.

The impact of the cancellation extends beyond cultural expression, as the anticipated Istanbul show was expected to draw an audience of approximately 12,000 attendees from various countries. Promoters estimated that the event had the potential to generate substantial economic benefits through tourism, media exposure, and marketing opportunities.

Despite the setback in Istanbul, Anyma’s ÆDEN tour continues with upcoming dates scheduled in major cities such as Milan, Madrid, Sydney, Athens, Mumbai, Abu Dhabi, Paris, and Santiago de Chile through the end of 2026. The artist’s management has indicated a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue with local authorities in future venues to navigate cultural and regulatory landscapes.

Details regarding any further attempts to reschedule the Istanbul concert or negotiate with Turkish officials remain limited. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between artistic freedom and regulatory frameworks in regions where cultural and religious considerations heavily influence public events.