Frye Pessimistic About Survival Of Islam Culture and Traditions

Russian techniques for discrediting religion have succeeded to such an extent in the Middle East that according to Richard N. Frye, associate professor of Middle Eastern Studies, Islam cannot hope to survive, at least in "the short-run."

"I do not see how Islam can survive," Frye told the first meeting of the Harvard Muslim Society, but added that over a longer period of time the sacraments and traditions of Islam can perhaps retain sufficient hold on the people of Central Asia to enable the religion and culture to stay alive.

The Russian techniques of discrediting the religion have been, said Frye, more effective than Hitler's persecutions of Judaism. While allowing the older people to keep their "cultural autonomy," the Communists have indoctrinated the youth with the spirit of 19th century humanism. The new generation is turning from worship of God to deiflcation of man.

Even the "cultural autonomy" is a facade behind which the native tongues and customs are dying out. All books are translated into Russian; almost no Usbeck or Persian versions of the poets are available.

While destroying the hold of religion, the Russians have also made Central Asia into a "showpiece" for visiting oriental delegations to admire. The coexistence of heavy industry, modern railroads, factories, and irrigation projects with the old civilization is, according to Frye, merely a sham to impress foreign visitors.