Turkish media claims Croatia’s Eurovision 2026 song “Andromeda” by LELEK attacks the Ottoman Empire through controversial lyrics and traditional Balkan tattoos.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna has yet to commence, but political dramas are already taking center stage. This time, the storm centers on Croatia and its representative, the girl group LELEK, with their entry “Andromeda.” In recent days, social media platforms and news outlets in Turkey have been buzzing with allegations that the Croatian song slanders the Ottoman Empire, reopening deep historical wounds from the period of Turkish rule in the Balkans.
Historical Allegations and Lyrical Controversy
The Turkish outcry focuses, among other elements, on the song’s lyrics. Users and media organizations in Turkey have interpreted the verses as a direct reference to the historical practice of Ottoman soldiers taking slaves and women during their rule over Croatian and Bosnian territories in the 16th and 17th centuries.
An analysis of the original Croatian lyrics suggests that the Turkish indignation has a factual basis, even if the band has not yet officially confirmed the intent. The text of “Andromeda” is saturated with painful historical allusions that are difficult to detach from the Balkan context. Early in the song, the band members sing: “Dok pališ svijeću pitaj svoju baku / Zašto je kćeri rađala u strahu” (“When you light a candle, ask your grandmother / Why she gave birth to her daughters in fear”). They continue with the most discussed lines: “Nisu naše majke iznjedrile roblje” (“Our mothers did not give birth to slaves”) and “Sinovi naši nisu podanici” (“Our sons are not subjects”).
The peak of the resentment occurs toward the end of the song, as the band addresses a treacherous figure who caused historical suffering, crying out: “Dok peru ruke krvlju naših rana / Izdajice” (“While they wash their hands with the blood of our wounds / Traitors”). The use of terms such as ‘slaves’, ‘subjects’, and ‘traitors’ certainly elucidates the source of the Turkish anger. These lines provide significant room for political interpretation, explaining why the song is perceived there as a harsh critique of the past.
The Secret Behind the Traditional Facial Tattoos
The second element sparking controversy is the tattoos—specifically crosses and Christian symbols—on the faces and hands of the band members. In Turkey, it is claimed that this was a method used by Croatian and Bosnian women in the past to allegedly disfigure themselves to prevent Ottoman soldiers from taking them as concubines for their palaces.
However, historians and local Balkan residents are quick to correct this narrative. Mara Bojić, a 71-year-old resident of Bosnia who has held these traditional tattoos since childhood, explained in an interview that despite the common myth, the tattoos were not intended to serve as a “shield” against the Turks.
According to her, this is an ancient Catholic tradition known as ‘Sicanje’ that began during the reign of the Bosnian Queen Katarina, long before the Ottoman conquest. “These tattoos are not a shield, but a cultural heritage and a religious symbol of Catholics,” Bojić clarified, expressing regret that this unique tradition is gradually disappearing.
European Broadcasting Union Standards and Political Nuance
The controversy surrounding the Croatian entry once again brings the issue of politics in the contest to the surface, raising difficult questions regarding the conduct of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). International audiences often observe the strictness of the union, which frequently scrutinizes lyrics for “political messages” and may demand censorship or textual changes.
It remains to be seen whether the EBU will apply the same standard to Croatia and demand changes to the poignant lyrics of “Andromeda,” or if the national broadcaster will be permitted to proceed under the justification of “cultural heritage” and ancient history. Does politics have a place in Eurovision only in specific circumstances? We will, of course, continue to monitor the situation.
LELEK – Who Are You?
LELEK is a Croatian ethno-pop band that connects local musical tradition with a modern pop sound and a very meticulous stage performance. The band consists of five girls: Judita Štorga, Inka Večerina Perušić, Korina Olivia Rogić, Lara Brtan, and Marina Ramljak. The group brings a unique sound to the stage, blending contemporary ethnic pop with traditional Croatian musical elements.
This is the second consecutive year the band has attempted to reach Eurovision. Last year, they competed in the Croatian national final, “Dora 2025,” with the song “The Soul of my Soul” and finished in fourth place. This year, they successfully secured their ticket to Vienna.
Since their appearance in the national selection, LELEK has continued to gain attention in the Croatian and Eurovision scenes, thanks in part to the distinct combination of strong female vocals, modern arrangements, and ethnic elements that emphasize their Slavic identity. Alongside their stage presence, the group is building its own visual language and clear aesthetics—from costumes to directing—which easily distinguishes them in the alternative pop field and facilitates a connection with audiences even outside of Croatia.
Croatia at Eurovision 2026
“Andromeda” is the title of the entry to be performed by the girl group LELEK, representing Croatia in the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which will take place in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th. The song’s lyrics were penned by Tomislav Roso, with the composition credited to Filip Lacković, Lazar Pajić, and Zorja Pajić.
The song explores themes of memory, collective pain, and a sharp critique of betrayal and historical distortion. It depicts intergenerational trauma, the fear of mothers, graves, and soldiers sent to battle amidst outcries. The band poses piercing questions toward the past, emphasizing that a nation was not meant to be submissive or enslaved. Alongside this resentment, a longing for refuge and redemption emerges through cosmic imagery, such as the Andromeda Galaxy, symbolizing a departure from pain and judgmental gazes. The performance complements this message with a stage design featuring a mist-shrouded ancient temple engulfed in fire, which eventually collapses into darkness while the band members, dressed in black and adorned with traditional facial markings, remain on stage.
Currently, Croatia is ranked 20 in the betting odds for Eurovision 2026.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Croatia’s 31st participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Croatia joined the competition in 1993 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2024 by finishing in second place with the song “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” performed by the singer Baby Lasagna.
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Noy Yehoyada is an Israeli journalist and content creator at the EuroMix team since 2024, bringing a personal, feminine, and LGBTQ+ voice into the Eurovision sphere. A devoted Eurovision fan since the age of 16, she plays an active role in covering the contest—including on-site reporting at Eurovision 2025 in Basel and across European pre-party events. Alongside her writing and commentary, Noy plans the editorial schedule for the website, closely tracks national selections and song reveals, participates in live broadcasts, and creates digital content focusing on representation, musical diversity, and emotional connections.
Beyond her work at EuroMix, Noy has over six years of experience in the cosmetics and pharma industries, with a background in sales, personal consulting, and managing beauty departments. She enjoys pop, rap, contemporary art, and traveling in Europe—and especially loves songs that make her want to dance, as well as those that tell a story.
