Suchergebnisse

Based on statistical surveys & observation, considerations are presented on the position of religion in Egypt. The basic polarity of the discussion is mosque versus government. The religious establishment has fallen increasingly under the control of government, & the influence of the ulama, or Moslem priests, has correspondingly declined. The mosques are under the supervision of the Ministry of Waqfs whose power has eroded to the point where only three major functions remain: charity, investment of its own funds, & mosque supervision. While not directly opposing religion, the military regime has sought to encourage people to look beyond it & has tried to use religion to buttress its goals of socialism, nationalism, & one-party 'popular democracy.' The religious establishment has accepted secularism in fact, if not in principle. 22 Tables. S. Karganovic.

The following report was prepared by Morroe Berger, professor of sociology and director of the Program in Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University (and president of MESA), at the request of the assistant secretary for education in the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare. It is one of the series of reports on the world's regions in connection with the implementation of the International Education Act. This report reflects, of course, Professor Berger's views which are not necessarily those of the agency which requested the report or of MESA. The Bulletin Invites comment from MESA members on the report and on any of the issues raised in it. Readers should bear in mind that Professor Berger prepared and submitted the report early in May 1967, before the outbreak of war in the Middle East.