This article examines the practice of female genital mutilation in the Re-public of Dagestan. The secrecy of this issue requires empirical analysis. We aimed to review the data of empirical research in the Republic of Dagestan. The results of the study allow to reveal the problem of the existence of female circumcision in the Republic of Dagestan, to learn about its prevalence, causes, purposes and types. In the article the focus is on the conceptual understanding of sociological, anthropological and cultural concepts used to describe the causes and determinants of the problem. In this article analysis is focused on the general theoretical concepts of control of women’s sexuality. Female genital mutilation (FGM) practice is rooted in religion beliefs and patriarchal attitudes within a frame of sexual and mental oppression of women such as control of women’s sexuality. For many girls, undergoing FGM, it is a traumatic experience that may adversely affect their physical and mental health. This article intends to investigate the religious and socio-cultural determinants of FGM practice. It draws examples from communities in Dagestan that practice FGM as a rite of religious initiation and a symbol of belonging to the tribal community. Religious leaders (traditional Islam and Salafi) try to preserve and popularize the hidden tradition of female circumcision, citing contradictory religious sources.read in PDF>>>
