The Syrian Ministry of Tourism has said women must wear burkinis or ‘appropriate’ swimwear on public beaches.
“People are required to wear conservative swimwear on public beaches (burkinis or swimwear that covers the whole body),” the ministry said in a statement.
The decision comes six months after an Islamist coalition seized power and toppled longtime President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Outside public swimming areas, women must wear loose-fitting clothing, and men must not go topless even in hotel lobbies and restaurants, the statement said.
However, the ministry said the restrictions did not apply to private clubs, swimming pools and luxury hotels.
“It is permitted to wear ordinary Western swimwear, provided that appropriate behavior is observed,” the statement said.
Syria is currently ruled by a transitional government. It is composed mainly of representatives of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
Since the seizure of power, the rights of minorities and women have become the subject of increased attention.
Illustrative Photo by Engin Akyurt: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-lying-on-pool-lounge-1493211/
