I can definately say that they are out there! We live very near Boulder, and my husband is from Turkey, through him I have meet 1 couple in Boulder, and 3 couples in Denver, that are native Turkish speakers. Unfortunately I am still in the beginning stages of learning, so I feel pretty left out when we get together. Although they get SO excited and happy when I use the few words that I do know.

Where is this Turkish restaurant in Denver? I know my husband would love to go there some time!

You should know about Boulder Council for International Visitors. They are having a potluck Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow night. No guarantee that there will be Turkish people there, but it is a pleasant group of Americans and Internationals in Boulder.

Here is the web page. www.bciv.org

You need to check out your local state or universities, most offer free Turkish lessons. We have a group here in Columbus at OSU and of course Cafe Istanbul. I'm sure you will find something local.

I think the restaurant everyone keeps referring to is Istanbul Grill. Last time I checked (6 months ago) they had closed up shop (unfortunately). The Istanbul Grill was located at Florence & Hampden (where Hampden curves into Havana).

As for some of the other posts in the thread, I'm up for practicing Turkish too with whoever wants to. I'm in central Denver but willing to commute. Although I'm not a native speaker, I was completely immersed for a year and probably know enough to help folks who are working on basic conversational proficiency. Istersen, buluşalım!

-Sara

haahha, i live in western canada, and i couldnt even find one book to buy to learn turkish, it had to ordered and shipped form new york, US. and the shopkeeper that did this for me, said last one bought was 2004. Fun. cant seem to find classes or anything either