New Beach Regulations in Syria Mandate Burkinis for Women

In a bid to enhance public safety and modesty, Syria's Islamist-led interim government has mandated that women wear burkinis or "decent" clothing at public beaches and pools, a move that raises both concern and support among citizens.

Syria's Islamist-led interim government has issued a directive requiring women to wear burkinis, a full-coverage swimwear, or other modest attire at public beaches and swimming pools. This decision, released by the tourism ministry, aims to improve public safety standards and uphold public decency, according to Syrian state media outlet Al-Ikhbariyah al-Suriyah. Notably, private beaches, clubs, and pools, as well as four-star hotels, will not be subject to these regulations.

While modest clothing is common among women at Syrian beaches, some have previously opted for more Western-style swimsuits. The new guidelines demand "more modest swimwear" and specify burkinis or similar attire. Additionally, it is mandated for women to wear cover-ups or loose garments when transitioning between swimming areas, and "travelling in swimwear" outside designated zones is forbidden. Men, similarly, must wear shirts when outside swimming areas and are prohibited from being bare-chested.

The regulations allow for "normal Western swimwear" in exempted venues, provided it aligns with "public taste." There's also an emphasis on wearing loose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees while avoiding tight or transparent materials. Although the statement lacks information on potential penalties for non-compliance, it mentions the appointment of lifeguards and beach supervisors to oversee adherence to the rules.

The new mandate has sparked varied reactions among citizens. A woman from Idlib expressed understanding for the ruling's moral intent, noting that some families prefer less exposed skin at beaches. Conversely, a resident from Damascus voiced discomfort with the government's increased control over personal attire, claiming the previous freedom to choose swimwear was preferable. She highlighted that the law complicates previously relaxed interactions among women of various religious backgrounds at the beach.

Since the civil war's end, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad's regime by Islamist rebel forces, President Ahmed al-Sharaa has claimed he intends to govern inclusively. During a BBC interview soon after taking office, he affirmed his support for women's education and distanced his government from comparisons to Afghanistan's strict regulations against women.

In March, Sharaa signed a constitutional declaration for a five-year transitional period that maintains Islam as the presidential religion and articulates Islamic jurisprudence as the primary source of legislation. However, the declaration also emphasizes women's rights and freedoms, including expression and media, leaving many citizens questioning the significance of the new swimwear regulations in light of these commitments.