Lounge on the Shores of Syria in Style (or Modesty)
Syrian administration denies the issuance of burkinis to women, asserting they instead authorize what President Assad originally prohibited.
In an exciting turn of events, the Syrian Ministry of Tourism has launched a new swimwear policy for public beaches and pools! As of June 2025, here's what you need to know:
- Ladies First: Females are now required to don burkinis or clothing that offers more coverage in the water. For added modesty, ladies are also encouraged to slip into loose-fitting robes or cover-ups when lounging on the sand[1][2][3].
- Gentlemen, Please Button Up: Men must keep it classy by wearing a shirt when they're not swimming[2][3].
- VIP Access (Sort Of): Four-star resorts and private beaches have been granted an exception, so Western-style swimwear is permitted as long as decorum is observed[2][3].
The Influence of Islamic Jurisprudence
This new policy underscores the impact of Islamic jurisprudence on the new Syrian government's stance on public life. Following the departure of the Assad regime, which leaned more towards secularism, the current administration is embracing rules that better align with conservative Islamic standards[1][3]. This shift can be attributed to the political and social climate in areas like Idlib, where the authorities have garnered support from groups adhering to stricter interpretations of Islamic law[1][3].
The focus on maintaining public decency, embracing cultural diversity, and upholding moral values in this policy reflects an effort to balance religious and social norms while remaining open to diverse lifestyles, particularly among international tourists[2][3]. However, the details of enforcement and potential consequences for non-compliance remain unclear[3].
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burkini[2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57113482[3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/22/syria-swimmers-scramble-to-comply-with-controversial-beach-rules
In the new swimwear policy for Syrian public beaches and pools, the influence of Islamic jurisprudence is evident, as the policy aligns with stricter Islamic standards following the departure of the Assad regime. The policy, which encourages modest swimwear for women and shirts for men, also seeks to balance religious and social norms while showcasing cultural diversity and maintaining public decency, particularly for international tourists.
