Turkish authorities have banned a scheduled concert by French singer Enrico Macias following widespread calls for protest over his public support for Israel.
The Istanbul governor’s office announced late Wednesday that Macias’ performance, planned for Friday evening, had been cancelled. Officials said the decision was made “after intense calls for protests against the concert,” adding that such demonstrations could expose protesters to legal consequences and create public grievances.
The governor also imposed a ban on any protest activity around the planned concert venue in Istanbul’s Sisli district.
Macias, born in Algeria to a Jewish family and based in France, has been known for his longstanding support of Israel. His position has drawn criticism in Turkey, where public opinion has hardened sharply against Israel amid the conflict in Gaza.
Turkey, a NATO member, has intensified its criticism of Israel, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza. The government has halted all trade with Israel and repeatedly urged the international community to impose measures against its actions.
According to Gaza health authorities, more than 63,000 people have been killed in the Israeli military offensive. Israel has rejected accusations of genocide, maintaining that its operations are directed against Hamas and other armed groups.
The ban reflects the wider deterioration of Turkish-Israeli relations. In recent months, Ankara has escalated its diplomatic stance, aligning itself with calls for stronger global action. Analysts note that cultural events involving figures seen as supportive of Israel have increasingly become flashpoints for protest in Turkey.
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