Syrian Islamists issue fatwa against croissants for symbolizing Western colonial oppression

A Sharia committee has announced an anti-croissant fatwa in the rebellious region of the Syrian city of Aleppo for being symbols of colonial oppression.

The Washington Post reports the committee banned croissants because the crescent shape pastry's celebrates European victory over Muslims.

According to the report, Syria is a former French colony and some people associate this culinary symbol of Frenchness with France and imperialism.

Meanwhile, the anti-croissant fatwa which was announced on the pretext that a baker in Budapest had invented the pastry after the city was repelled an Ottoman invasion, has been debunked by food historians, the report added.

Rebel-held regions of Aleppo are increasingly dominated by extremist elements, further marginalizing more moderate rebel groups and putting some Syrians at the groups' mercy.

Sharia committees in Aleppo have also banned make-up and tight clothes for women and threatened a year in jail for anyone who fails to fast during Ramadan.