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Anyma Concert Canceled in Istanbul Over Alleged Satanic Imagery

Published Sep 8, 2026 By Matt White

Image via edm.com

TL;DR

Turkish authorities canceled Anyma's September 12 concert at Istanbul's Ataköy Marina Arena after social media posts accused the DJ's stage visuals of containing satanic content. Matteo Milleri, the producer behind Anyma, denied the claims and said clips had been taken out of context and altered with AI. He said he received no advance warning or opportunity for dialogue before the cancellation.

“Like many stories, it weaves through darker chapters before reaching resolution.”

“Taking one scene from any film or work and presenting it out of context as the meaning of the entire project is fundamentally misleading.”

“Let me be clear. None of my visuals are AI-generated and the greatest irony is that AI was used to alter my work by those who condemn it and they ultimately turned it into something to fit their own narrative.”

“My art was turned into social media and political propaganda.”

“We have performed around the world and have always engaged in respectful conversation according to the local culture and customs. We would have willingly done the same in Türkiye, had legitimate concerns been raised through dialogue.”

Officials Cancel 'ÆDEN' Tour Stop Days Before Performance

Turkish authorities canceled Anyma's scheduled September 12 concert at the Ataköy Marina Arena in Istanbul last week, citing what officials described as satanic elements in the Italian DJ's stage production. Emin Gökçegözoğlu, the Istanbul province's press and public relations director, confirmed the cancellation to Turkish fact-checking group Teyit, though the Istanbul Governor's Office has not issued a formal public statement.

The decision followed a wave of social media posts accusing Matteo Milleri, the producer behind the Anyma project, of incorporating satanic rituals into his visuals for the 'ÆDEN' tour. Local campaigners circulated clips they claimed showed evidence of the content.

Milleri Calls Clips "Out of Context" and AI-Altered

Milleri responded Sunday in a statement posted to Instagram Stories, describing the 'ÆDEN' production as a science-fiction narrative that explores darkness and light before reaching resolution. He argued that clips circulating online had been pulled from context, altered with artificial intelligence, paired with unrelated music, and spread to construct a false narrative.

Milleri emphasized that none of his own visuals are AI-generated and pointed to what he called the irony of critics using the technology to distort his work before condemning it. He said the production draws inspiration from art history, mythology, and ancient literature, contains no direct representations of religious figures, and is not intended to attack or disrespect any religion or culture.

No Advance Warning or Dialogue, DJ Says

Milleri said neither he, his promoter, nor his management team received advance notice or an opportunity to discuss the matter with authorities before the cancellation was announced. No one asked for an explanation of the work or proposed adaptations that might have allowed the show to proceed, he said.

The DJ said he intends to appeal the decision and remains open to dialogue with Turkish authorities. The show had been part of his 'ÆDEN' tour, which Milleri has developed and performed around the world over the past five years.

Matt White

EDM Source Editor

Reporting on the latest in the electronic dance music community with verified accuracy.

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