Syria’s interim government has banned bikinis and shirtless men at public beaches and pools in rebel-held areas, issuing a decree on Tuesday that mandates “modest” swimwear in line with “public decency and cultural values”.
The Ministry of Tourism of the Syrian Salvation Government — formed by hardline Islamist faction Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) — ordered that women must wear full cover-ups when moving beyond beach areas, and that men are not allowed to be shirtless outside designated swimming zones, such as hotel premises.
The decision, labelled Decree 194, cites “the customs and values of Syrian society” and “religious and cultural diversity” as justifications for the clothing restrictions. It also encourages swimwear that “provides more coverage than bikinis” and instructs resort operators to display these rules clearly.
Though framed as a set of general safety and decency guidelines, the decree has drawn criticism for disproportionately restricting women’s dress and further curbing public freedoms in areas controlled by the HTS, a former al-Qaeda affiliate.
While the decision allows for some leniency in high-end hotels and private clubs, it underlines a broader trend of tightening conservative norms in opposition-controlled Syria. Human rights observers warn that such policies reflect the increasing authoritarianism in rebel-governed regions, especially towards women’s autonomy.
