Khaberni - The Syrian actress Sulaf Fawakherji revealed the reason for wearing the hijab at the "Fajr Film Festival" in Tehran during the special screening of her film "Land of Angels", and also recalled an old incident from her memory, to underline her commitment to the principle of respect for personal freedom, even in the face of differing beliefs.
Fawakherji recounted, in a lengthy post on Tuesday via her Instagram page, an incident from years ago, during a dinner with a number of friends. Among the attendees was a director whom she said she had admired and appreciated. However, her view of the director was shaken when a colleague joined the gathering with his hijabi wife, prompting the director to mock the hijab and the women who wear it, describing it as "backward."
The Syrian actress explained that she was shocked by the contradiction between the director's calls for freedom and his confiscation of others' freedom to choose their attire and beliefs, emphasizing that differing opinions do not justify insult. She added that although she continues to appreciate his talent, she has lost some respect for him, considering that "love is an emotion, but respect is a more lasting value."
She emphasized that she has her own views on several social issues, including the hijab, but she sees it as part of the cultures of peoples, with historical roots that preceded religions, before it gained later religious and cultural dimensions, according to her expression.
Forms of Hijab
Furthermore, Fawakherji recalled a personal experience in Iran, where she went in the summer to shoot a film she described as important both artistically and humanely. She noted that she was careful to abide by the country's laws and customs, wearing scarves out of respect for the social context, considering that respect does not conflict with freedom but complements it.
She also pointed out that she noticed a variety of hijab styles on the streets of Iran, from the full black chador to the traditional hijab and the half hijab, as well as women who do not wear the hijab in streets and restaurants.
Additionally, she wrote "I saw a diverse society: Muslims of their sects, Christians, Armenians, Arabs, Kurds, Jews, secularists, and atheists. I knew among them fear for each other despite the differences, and a love for art and life."
Fawakherji concluded by emphasizing that what matters to her are humanity, its civilization, and its art, staying away from engaging in political affairs, noting that what she experienced there was beautifully ethical and reflected a love of art and life.
Sparked Criticisms
Fawakherji, born on July 27, 1977, in Latakia, Syria, is one of the prominent stars of drama and cinema in the Arab world, with a long and diverse artistic career that began in the late 1990s.
However, she has recently faced criticism from some Syrians, who saw that she still defends the Assad regime, especially after she denied knowledge of the existence of prisons and detention centers where thousands are tortured and killed.
It is noted that Fawakherji, previously known as a supporter of the former Syrian president, was expelled from the Syrian Actors Guild in April last year (2025), due to statements that were considered a "denial of Assad's crimes and a disregard for the pain of the Syrian people."
This decision to expel her came after the Syrian star claimed that "Assad led a simple life and represented political stability in the country," emphasizing that "the problem is not with the ruler but with the divided people," according to her expression.
