Syria's Islamist Swimwear Ban Faces Backlash

Miami Herald

a day ago

The Syrian government, at a time it is struggling for Western and international recognition, has drawn criticism for imposing a beach dress code in line with conservative Islam and raising questions over its pledged commitment to inclusiveness.
Since Ahmed al-Sharaa—a former al-Qaeda affiliate and later head of a jihadist group—rose to power, he rebranded himself as a pragmatic nationalist as the country looks to rebuild after nearly a decade of political and sectarian war under the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad.
U.S. President Donald Trump has recently lifted sanctions on the country to boost its reconstruction and met with the new leader.
Signs that Syria is taking a more Islamist direction raise warning signs for liberal and more secular Syrians and for Western countries that are seeking to assist.
Under new "safety and security" regulations, the Syrian Tourism Ministry now requires visitors to public beaches and hotels to cover up. Women are expected to wear a burkini or clothing that covers the body more extensively, and to wear loose cover ups over their swimwear when moving around beach premises.
Syrians have taken to social media to criticize and mock the new rules, arguing that they contradict inclusiveness and personal freedoms, discourage international tourism, and fail to address the country's real priorities.
"Women forced to wear burkinis in swimming pools and beaches... Syria under the rule of Al Qaeda," the Arab Feminist Movement, a digital platform defending women rights, wrote on X.
Men are required to cover up with shirts when not swimming. "Being bare-chested outside the designated swimming area is not permitted," the ministry said in an announcement on its Facebook page.
Regular swimsuits, described by the ministry as "Western", are allowed in hotels and resorts rated at the international 4-star level or above. The ministry did not specify penalties for violators. "Those with money can undress," a Facebook user named Tihan Ibrahim commented in Arabic.
Others have supported the government's decision, however.
"Whoever wants to go out with their family without clothes should go to private resorts. Public beaches have people from all social groups, and the majority of the Syrian population rejects such disgusting sights," a Facebook user by the name Abdurrahman wrote.
Modest dress codes are common across many Arab countries, though their enforcement varies widely depending on local customs, religious interpretations, and government policies.
While Syria's population is majority Sunni Muslim it includes various minority groups such as Alawites (a Shia sect), Christians, Druze among others—who have voiced concerns of repression under the new regime. Syria's delicate balance is at constant risk of destabilization, potentially fueling further tensions and violence.
Ghayath Al-Farah, Syria's Deputy Tourism Minister, said in an interview with Zaman al‑Wasl TV, translated from Arabic: "Burkinis or Sharia-compliant clothes are accepted in public swimming places and men are prohibited from wearing shorts on other premises such as hotel lobbies because that violates public decency."
Facebook user Safwan Mohyeddein wrote: "It would have been better not to address dress code at all and instead only refer to adherence to public decency. Problems arising from this issue, and their amplification in the media, will deter many tourists—and even locals—from coming to Syria, ultimately destroying the tourism industry that should feed millions."
Syria's government is facing challenges as it turns to U.S. and Gulf support to revive its economy.
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