Spotify is facing serious scrutiny in Turkey following a wave of social media backlash over user-created playlists that allegedly mock religious values and political figures. The Swedish streaming service is now under official investigation by Turkish authorities, raising concerns about freedom of expression, cultural sensitivity, and corporate accountability in global markets.

Investigation Sparks Amid Cultural Tensions
The controversy began when Turkish users discovered and circulated several playlists with satirical titles. One of the most widely shared was reportedly called “Songs Emine Erdoğan listens to while cleaning the palace”, a reference to Turkey’s First Lady. The title ignited outrage among conservative users and government supporters, leading to an online campaign demanding Spotify take action or face consequences.

Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Batuhan Mumcu publicly condemned the platform, accusing Spotify of "hosting content that targets our religious and national values." He further claimed that these playlists "insult the beliefs of our society" and "threaten social unity."

In response to the backlash, Spotify stated it is working with Turkish officials and reviewing its position in the market. The company also acknowledged that all options are on the table, including temporarily suspending services or exiting Turkey altogether.

Love uninterrupted music on the go? Explore flexible plans and get the most out of your music with Buy Spotify Premium Subscription today.

Religious References Add Fuel to the Fire
Beyond the First Lady-related content, Spotify is also under fire for playlists that referenced Islam in a satirical manner. Titles such as “The playlist Prophet Muhammad listened to while escaping the Mushrikites” and “Songs the Prophet listened to in the cave” were viewed as deeply offensive by many conservative users.

Screenshots of these playlists went viral across Turkish social media platforms, particularly among pro-government groups. The outcry quickly escalated into a larger campaign, with users tagging Turkish officials and calling for the app to be banned.

While Spotify is globally known for allowing users to create humorous and irreverent playlists, the Turkish government has made it clear that there are limits to what will be tolerated within its cultural and legal frameworks.

Currently, Spotify has over 12 million active monthly users in Turkey. A potential withdrawal from the country could significantly impact its regional market share.

Stay in control of your listening experience — Buy Spotify Subscription for ad-free music, enhanced sound quality, and unlimited skips.