Syria issues bikini ban for women on beaches

Syria issues bikini ban for women on beaches

On Tuesday, Syria introduced a new conservative dress code that obliges women to wear Burkini or full -body bathroom clothing on all public beaches. This is the latest cultural change since the fall of the Dictator Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels in December last year.

new guidelines for swimming clothing

The Ministry of Tourism announced that the new guidelines were issued in the "public interest". The Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani said in an order published on Facebook: "Visitors to the public beaches and swimming pools, whether tourists or locals, are obliged to wear adequate bathing clothing that takes into account the public taste and sensitivities of the various social groups."

requirements for men and women

"Modester bathing clothing is required on public beaches and in swimming pools (Burkinis or swimsuits that cover more from the body)," added the arrangement. In addition, it says: "When moving between the beach and other places, it is necessary to carry a beach surge or a loosely sitting bathrobe (for women) via the swimsuit."

For men, it is necessary to carry tops under the new guidelines. The guideline says: "Up without is not allowed in public areas outside of the swimming pools, hotel lobbies and catering areas." In addition, it is recommended to wear loose clothing in public areas outside of beaches and swimming pools, cover your shoulders and knees, and to avoid transparent or excessively tight -fitting clothing.

exceptions for resorts and hotels

However, the Ministry announced that resorts and hotels classified as international and first-class (4 stars) as well as on private beaches and swimming pools are allowed "typical western bathing clothes". It is unclear what consequences threaten people who do not comply with the guidelines. However, the ministry said that "lifeguards and beach supervisors" would monitor compliance with the regulations.

Influence of Hayat Tahrir al-sham

The new regulations reflect the influence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist coalition, which is currently leading the Transitional Government of Syria. Formerly known as the Al-Nusra front, HTS is classified as a terrorist group by the United States and the United Kingdom.

The interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who signed the dress code guideline, led HTS to the flash attack, which led to the fall of Assad, whose regime was in power for several decades. In March, Al-Sharaa signed a transitional constitution that set the rule of the Islamists for a five-year transition phase.

concerns about the rule of law

The February expressions of al-Sharaa that the redesign of the Syrian constitution could take three years and that the elections may take place within five years have raised concerns about the rule of law and the protection of human rights. The US organization Human Rights Watch expressed serious concerns about the far-reaching powers of al-Sharaas in March

The importance of tourism for Syria

Minister of Tourism Al-Salhani, who recently promoted investments from Qatar and Saudi Arabia for tourism projects worth “billions of dollars”, presented the new rules as an appreciation of the cultural, social and religious diversity. This announcement takes place as part of an initiative to revive the country's tourism industry after the US sanctions were lifted in May 2025-a step that former US President Donald Trump described as a "chance of size" for Syria.