[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4bQxN-bXFQ]

After a long build up, Apple’s first Eastern Europe/Asia Minor store opened up today in Istanbul at the Zorlu Center. As with some other flagship stores, it is mostly subterranean with a glass upward protrusion. This one has four large panes of glass covered by a white roof with a darker Apple logo surrounded by a fountain as pictured below.

Image via ifoAppleStore

Apple yesterday held a press event attended by one of the Apple Store leads Steve Cano. Tim Cook took to Twitter to announce the opening:

[tweet https://twitter.com/tim_cook/status/452417592544608256]

More images and videos below:

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6l_jQqXky8]

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiBlSAYd82M]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbqscMB3XKs

https://twitter.com/kerem_sayin/status/452363507141709824

Apple Istanbul Grand Opening … @9to5mac pic.twitter.com/zLoU0XEBMI

— Bora ŞAHİNOĞLU (@borasahinoglu) April 5, 2014

Geniuses coming in! #AppleStoreIstanbul +@9to5mac pic.twitter.com/8ro0H3vUbF

— Mert Dumenci (@mertdumenci) April 5, 2014

The Grand Opening #AppleStore @verge @9to5mac @MacRumors pic.twitter.com/lCov5Mk9gU

— Kerem Sayin (@kerem_sayin) April 5, 2014