Syrian Authorities Enforce Burkini Rules for Beachgoers, Stirring Debate on Women's Rights
Women on Syrian beaches mandated to don burkinis, as per authorities' decree
In a recent announcement, Syria's Ministry of Tourism has mandated that women wearing burkinis or conservative swimwear that fully covers the body is now required on public beaches and shores. The statement urges beachgoers to adhere to "moral principles" and the feelings of all faiths while enjoying the coastal waters.
The new regulations emphasize that in resorts and swimming pools, Western swimwear remains acceptable. However, public beaches and pools are under scrutiny for their attire.
Currently, Syria operates under a transitional government predominantly composed of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, having wrested control from Assad, who is now 59. Since this change of leadership, the rights of minorities and women have been drawing increased attention.
Although it was common for women to cover up and wear burkinis on public Syrian beaches even during Assad's rule, the present regulations represent a more stringent and conservative approach to swimwear.
Details from various sources reveal that the mandatory attire now extends beyond a burkini, requiring women to wear loose-fitting robes when transitioning between the beach and other areas. Men are also forbidden from being topless in public beach zones. While these restrictions apply to public beaches and pools, private resorts and luxury beach clubs are permitted to accommodate Western-style swimsuits as long as they align with the broader societal standards[1][2][3][4][5].
The introduction of these rules has ignited heated discussions among the public. The controversy centers around the impact of these regulations on women's rights, particularly their freedom of expression and bodily autonomy. Critics argue that these rules may reinforce gendered norms and social control, while supporters claim they are necessary to uphold "moral principles" and respect different religions[1][2][3][4][5].
[1] https://www.ntv.de/politik/Syrien-Langsames-Wiederaufbau-von-Staat-innenpolitik-aus-sicht-der-Politik-geschichte-article24684708.html[2] https://www.dpa.nl/en/news/item/574103-syria-new-swimwear-rules-spark-debate[3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-61649645[4] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-tourism-ministry-says-women-must-wear-burkinis-public-beaches-2025-06-01/[5] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/1/syria-women-now-required-to-wear-burkinis-on-public-beaches-officials-say
The Commission has also been involved in the preparation of a report discussing the recent debate surrounding the mandatory burkini rule for women on Syrian beaches, focusing on its implications for women's rights, particularly freedom of expression and bodily autonomy.
This report further explores the connection between the new regulations and the ongoing debate regarding women's health and wellness, as well as the role of science in understanding the impact of such restrictions on physical and mental health.
In light of the political changes in Syria, with the government predominantly composed of Islamist groups, the report scrutinizes the relationship between migration, war and conflicts, and the implementation of such regulations.
The document also delves into the discussions surrounding the impact of these rules on the general news landscape, especially in terms of how they are covered by international media and their implications for global perceptions of women's rights in war-torn countries.
