MEIN TURKEY

Why has 'Mein Kampf' become a bestseller in Turkey?
New paperback versions of Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf" have suddenly become top sellers in Turkey, raising questions about whether the sales reflect growing anti-Semitism and anti-American sentiment in this Muslim country, or if it's just curiosity and a cheap read.

The books were printed without the permission of the Finance Ministry of the German state of Bavaria, which handles the book's copyright. The ministry said Friday that it had asked Germany's federal Foreign Ministry to instruct diplomats in Turkey to investigate possible lawsuits in an attempt to prevent the continued publication of the books.

Hitler wrote "Mein Kampf", or "My Struggle," in the 1920s, filling it with anti-Semitic diatribes and his strategy for world domination. Tens of thousands of copies of the book have sold in Turkey in recent months since at least two cheap paperback versions were released. Many people are not sure why they're such hot sellers.

Analysts point out that many in this Muslim country are angry over the violence between Israelis and their fellow Muslim Palestinians. There is also increased frustration with US policy in neighboring Iraq and in general in the region. Some say the book sales are a reaction to Turkey's bid to join the European Union.

But others point out that the book can be purchased for as little as 6 new Turkish lira (US$4.50) and many Turks may simply be curious.