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Kanye West performs to 118K fans in Turkey despite bans elsewhere
31st May, 2026 04:36 PM
U.S. rapper Kanye West drew a massive crowd in Turkey over the weekend, performing before an estimated 118,000 fans at Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium, according to state-run Anadolu Agency.
The concert marked his first performance in Europe since 2014 and his debut appearance in Turkey, despite ongoing restrictions that have seen him barred from multiple countries in recent years.
West, also known as Ye, has faced widespread cancellations across Europe following repeated antisemitic remarks and controversies that have disrupted his international touring schedule.
Bans and backlash
Several governments have moved to block his performances, citing public interest concerns tied to past statements.
In the United Kingdom, authorities denied him entry earlier this year, leading to the cancellation of a planned festival appearance. Similar concerns contributed to scrapped shows in France and Poland.
Despite the backlash, his Istanbul concert proceeded without disruption, attracting fans from across Europe and parts of the Middle East.
The turnout in Istanbul was one of the largest crowds of his career in recent years, with fans travelling from countries including Germany, Britain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland to attend the show.
The two-hour performance at the stadium was reported as tightly controlled and heavily attended, highlighting his continued global draw despite controversy.
Career under scrutiny
West’s recent years have been marked by public criticism and professional setbacks linked to his political statements and online activity. Earlier this year, he issued a public apology for past comments, attributing some of his behaviour to health-related struggles.
Even with the controversies surrounding him, the Istanbul concert underscored a persistent reality in global music: his ability to attract massive audiences has not entirely faded.
