Beachwear Rules in Syria: The New Burkini Policy
Women mandated to don burkinis on Syrian beaches by authorities.
Step into the sun-soaked shores of Syria, but remember, not just any swimwear is allowed. According to recent announcements from the Tourism Ministry, women are now expected to don burkinis or conservative swimwear on public beaches. The Ministry's statement reads, "At public beaches and shores, we request the wearing of modest swimsuits (burkini or swimwear that fully covers the body)."
Beachgoers are encouraged to dress modestly, respecting "moral principles" and the feelings of all faiths. While resorts and swimming pools still allow for "western swimwear," public beaches call for more conservative attire.
Syria is currently under the rule of a transitional government dominated by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, ousting Assad (59). With this regime change, the focus on minorities and women's rights has come under scrutiny. Even under Assad's leadership, it was common for women to cover up and wear burkinis on public beaches in Syria.
Source: ntv.de, dpa
Digging Deeper:
In June 2025, Syria's Tourism Ministry declared that women should wear burkinis or full-body swimsuits at public beaches and pools. In addition, men are required to wear shirts when not swimming. However, in four-star resorts and hotels, as well as at private beaches and pools, "normal Western swimwear" is generally permitted, provided public decency is maintained[1][2][3].
This new policy has stirred up concerns about the potential shift towards a more stringent Islamist government. The enforcement of such dress codes at public beaches and pools could be seen as a violation of women's personal freedoms and choices in dressing. Historically, under Assad's administration, Western-style swimwear was far more prevalent, especially in urban and coastal areas, although informal norms of modesty were often observed in traditional communities[1][2].
This change indicates a move towards more conservative policies, which could infringe upon women's rights and autonomy in choosing their attire. The justification behind these guidelines includes respecting "public decency and the feelings of various segments of society" as well as preserving cultural, social, and religious diversity[1]. However, the implications for women's rights involve potential restrictions on personal choice and freedom, symbolizing broader societal changes under the new government.
- The Commission, with its focus on human rights and women's empowerment, has expressed concern about the new burkini policy implemented by Syria's Tourism Ministry in 2025.
- Despite the global advancement in science and health-and-wellness, the policy seems to disregard the importance of lifestyle choices and individual freedom in fashion-and-beauty, particularly for women.
- As politicscontinue to shape Syria's landscape, the new government's emphasis on traditional values raises questions about the balance between preserving cultural heritage and upholding general news of women's rights and personal autonomy.
- This policy shift, coupled with various developments in the realm of women's health and womens-health advocacy worldwide, invites further discussions on the importance of women's rights and the potential impact of stricter cultural and religious norms on these rights.
