Apple said its new Apple Bağdat Caddesi — its latest Apple Store — opens Friday in Istanbul, Turkey. It marks the Cupertino tech giant’s third retail location in the country. With the opening comes the debut of a special Today at Apple program and an exclusive augmented reality (AR) exhibition.
The two-level destination blends local materials with the latest store design, Apple said. The combination creates an open space for customers to explore products and services, or participate in free Today at Apple sessions.
Photo: Apple
“With the opening of Apple Bağdat Caddesi, we’re thrilled to build upon the deep and long-standing relationships we have with our customers in Turkey,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People. “We can’t wait to welcome the local community to our newest store in Istanbul and bring them the best of Apple.”
Familiar design elements and local materials
Apple Bağdat Caddesi incorporates familiar design elements from other Apple Store locations and Apple Park in Cupertino, California. But it also integrates locally sourced Aksaray Yaylak granite and Turkish travertine.
Housed under a floating carbon fiber roof, the retail location creates an urban oasis in the city, complete with a large, tree-filled garden.
Photo: Apple
Once inside, visitors will find the video wall and Forum, home to Today at Apple sessions. On the upper level, flanked by avenues, customers can explore Apple’s latest products and services.
The space overlooks the exterior of the store through a 32-foot glass curtain. It blurs the boundaries between inside and outside, Apple said. The interior is bathed in natural light through two large skylights that open to allow ventilation.
Exclusive AR exhibition
Photo: Apple
The store will also host an exclusive AR exhibition developed by creative technologists Tin Nguyen and Ed Cutting, along with Turkish sound artist Oğuz Öner.
The experience transforms the store with an immersive digital installation and includes many other artists participating in Perspektif Istanbul.
Photo: Apple
Using the latest iPad Pro and iPhone 13 Pro with LiDAR, visitors will be able to see ceramic vessels inspired by Ebru — the traditional art of paper marbling — in AR on their screens, and hear unique spatial sound elements.
New Today at Apple program
To celebrate the opening, Apple will debut Perspektif Istanbul, a six-week Today at Apple program. It pays homage to the city and its creatives.
Hosted by 20 local artists, the series brings creativity, culture and technology together. The experience examines topics and values important to the local Istanbul community, Apple said.
Attendees will get a chance to join in-person and virtual sessions. For example, they can learn about traditional miniature drawing with illustrator Murat Palta. They’ll photograph the unseen with Magnum Photos photographer Sabiha Çimen. And they can try creating a moving portrait with visual artist Sinan Tuncay.
Photo: Apple
30 years in Turkey
“For 30 years, Apple has been a part of the Turkish community, and Apple Bağdat Caddesi’s team members look forward to deepening Apple’s relationship with local customers throughout Turkey,” Apple said.
Its diverse, 130-person team at Apple Bağdat Caddesi collectively speaks 14 languages. At Friday’s 10 a.m. opening (local time), the store will implement comprehensive health measures.
Additionally, opening-day visits to Apple Bağdat Caddesi are by appointment only. Customers can choose from available times at apple.com/tr/retail/bagdatcaddesi. Capacity will be limited, so guests may experience wait times before gaining entrance.
