The Syrian interim government's recent decree mandates that women must wear burkinis, a full-body swimsuit, at public beaches and pools, a move aimed at ensuring public decency and safety. Exemptions apply for private establishments. While the policy reflects cultural modesty, it raises questions about personal choice and freedoms in post-conflict Syria.
Burkinis Mandatory for Women at Public Beaches in Syria
Burkinis Mandatory for Women at Public Beaches in Syria
Syria's interim government enforces new regulations for women's swimwear in public, sparking debate over personal freedoms.
In a significant policy decision, Syria's Islamist-led interim government has issued a decree requiring women to don burkinis or other "decent" swimwear at public beaches and swimming facilities. The announcement, made by the tourism ministry, states that this regulation is intended to "enhance public safety standards and preserve public decency." As reported by Al-Ikhbariyah al-Suriyah, these rules are particularly focused on maintaining a modest atmosphere in public settings.
Notably, private beaches, clubs, and pools, as well as hotels categorized with over four stars, are exempt from this regulation. Historically, women in Syria have tended to dress modestly at beaches; however, there exists a subset of women who have opted to wear Western-style swimwear.
Under the newly established guidelines, visitors are expected to don more modest swimwear, specifically stating the burkini or other full-body swimwear options that conceal more skin. Furthermore, it is mandated that women wear a cover-up or loose clothing over their bathing suits when transitioning between swimming areas. The decree also imposes restrictions on behavior, highlighting that wearing swimsuits outside designated beach areas without appropriate attire is against the rule.
In regards to men's attire, the requirements state that they must wear shirts when not swimming, prohibiting bare-chested appearances outside swimming zones. Meanwhile, "normal Western swimwear" may still be permitted within exempt venues but under "public taste" guidelines.
The decree was vague in terms of potential penalties for non-compliance and did not detail how the rules are to be enforced. It did, however, include other safety regulations aimed at promoting well-being at pools and beaches.
Following the recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad's regime by Islamist rebel forces led by Ahmed al-Sharaa in December, al-Sharaa has taken on the role of interim president. He has previously expressed intentions to govern inclusively and bolster women's rights, contrasting the extreme measures some may associate with stricter Islamic regimes. In a BBC interview shortly after he assumed power, al-Sharaa asserted his support for women's education and refuted claims that he aimed to create a Taliban-style governance akin to Afghanistan.
In March, he signed a constitutional declaration initiating a five-year transitional period which, while affirming Islam as the president's religion, simultaneously guaranteed women's rights and freedom of expression and media.
As the region remains in a sensitive state, analysts speculate on the implications of such regulations. Concerns persist about potential escalation towards a full-scale civil conflict as tensions continue to simmer.
Notably, private beaches, clubs, and pools, as well as hotels categorized with over four stars, are exempt from this regulation. Historically, women in Syria have tended to dress modestly at beaches; however, there exists a subset of women who have opted to wear Western-style swimwear.
Under the newly established guidelines, visitors are expected to don more modest swimwear, specifically stating the burkini or other full-body swimwear options that conceal more skin. Furthermore, it is mandated that women wear a cover-up or loose clothing over their bathing suits when transitioning between swimming areas. The decree also imposes restrictions on behavior, highlighting that wearing swimsuits outside designated beach areas without appropriate attire is against the rule.
In regards to men's attire, the requirements state that they must wear shirts when not swimming, prohibiting bare-chested appearances outside swimming zones. Meanwhile, "normal Western swimwear" may still be permitted within exempt venues but under "public taste" guidelines.
The decree was vague in terms of potential penalties for non-compliance and did not detail how the rules are to be enforced. It did, however, include other safety regulations aimed at promoting well-being at pools and beaches.
Following the recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad's regime by Islamist rebel forces led by Ahmed al-Sharaa in December, al-Sharaa has taken on the role of interim president. He has previously expressed intentions to govern inclusively and bolster women's rights, contrasting the extreme measures some may associate with stricter Islamic regimes. In a BBC interview shortly after he assumed power, al-Sharaa asserted his support for women's education and refuted claims that he aimed to create a Taliban-style governance akin to Afghanistan.
In March, he signed a constitutional declaration initiating a five-year transitional period which, while affirming Islam as the president's religion, simultaneously guaranteed women's rights and freedom of expression and media.
As the region remains in a sensitive state, analysts speculate on the implications of such regulations. Concerns persist about potential escalation towards a full-scale civil conflict as tensions continue to simmer.
