Apple Says Fifth Ave. Store No Mecca
By K.C. Jones,
TechWeb Technology News
Apple is defending itself against claims by a group saying that some Muslims called its Fifth Avenue store is blasphemous.
The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), which publishes translations statements from Arabic Web sites and news outlets, announced this week that an Islamic store to look anything like the sacred building.
Muslim groups have criticized MEMRI for seeking and disseminating the most extreme statements from the Muslim world.
According to MEMRI, an Islamic Web site states that the cube-shaped entrance to the underground store resembles the sacred Ka'ba in Mecca and has been called "Apple Mecca."
An English translation of the Koran states that the Ka'ba is the "first house built for mankind to bless and guide all worlds." Its corners align with compass points, and Muslims face the structure when praying. It is covered by a black cloth.
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"New Yorkers have given our store on Fifth Avenue a resoundingly positive reception," he said. "A couple of blogs referred to it as 'Mecca,' and others observed that, during construction it looked like the Ka'ba. Apple has never referred to our store as Mecca, and the entrance is not an attempt to look like the Ka'ba. We respect all people's religions and regret that the comments of these independent bloggers have offended anyone."
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Pertinent Links:
1) Apple Says Fifth Ave. Store No Mecca
2) MEMRI
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1 comment:
Apple Gazette here. We did some field research and found out that Muslims actually love the Apple Cube!
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