The Syrian Islamist-led interim government has officially mandated that women must wear burkinis—swimsuits that cover the body except for the face, hands, and feet—at public beaches and swimming pools. This regulation was announced by the tourism ministry and aims to reinforce public safety and preserve decency, as reported by the Syrian state news channel Al-Ikhbariyah al-Suriyah.
While private beaches, clubs, and establishments with ratings of four stars or more are not affected by this decree, the new rules specify that women must wear "more modest swimwear." In practice, this means adhering to the guidelines of burkinis or other swimwear that covers more of the body. Additionally, women are expected to don a cover-up or loose clothing when transitioning between swimming spots, with restrictions prohibiting traveling in swimwear without appropriate garments.
Men also face new guidelines—they are required to wear shirts outside the water and may not be bare-chested in non-swimming areas. The interim government has indicated that "normal Western swimwear" is permissible at exempt places, albeit within "the limits of public taste."
Amidst the implementation of these new regulations, reactions from local women vary. One woman from Idlib expressed a balanced view, acknowledging the moral aspects behind the law, especially in terms of family comfort around exposed skin. Conversely, a woman from Damascus voiced discomfort with such governance, emphasizing a long-standing tradition of diverse swimwear acceptance at the coast.
The changes follow a tumultuous political landscape, where Islamist rebel forces have recently overthrown Bashar al-Assad’s regime, leading to the establishment of an interim government pledging inclusivity. However, challenges arise regarding this mandate's reception among women who worry about increasing government control over personal freedoms.
In prior statements, Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed power after the regime change, has affirmed his commitment to women's education and rights, seeking to avoid parallels with repressive regimes. A constitutional declaration signed in March also reaffirmed women's rights and the need for freedoms around expression and media.
This new regulation not only symbolizes a shift in local governance but also highlights the evolving conversations around personal freedoms and cultural guidelines in post-war Syria.
While private beaches, clubs, and establishments with ratings of four stars or more are not affected by this decree, the new rules specify that women must wear "more modest swimwear." In practice, this means adhering to the guidelines of burkinis or other swimwear that covers more of the body. Additionally, women are expected to don a cover-up or loose clothing when transitioning between swimming spots, with restrictions prohibiting traveling in swimwear without appropriate garments.
Men also face new guidelines—they are required to wear shirts outside the water and may not be bare-chested in non-swimming areas. The interim government has indicated that "normal Western swimwear" is permissible at exempt places, albeit within "the limits of public taste."
Amidst the implementation of these new regulations, reactions from local women vary. One woman from Idlib expressed a balanced view, acknowledging the moral aspects behind the law, especially in terms of family comfort around exposed skin. Conversely, a woman from Damascus voiced discomfort with such governance, emphasizing a long-standing tradition of diverse swimwear acceptance at the coast.
The changes follow a tumultuous political landscape, where Islamist rebel forces have recently overthrown Bashar al-Assad’s regime, leading to the establishment of an interim government pledging inclusivity. However, challenges arise regarding this mandate's reception among women who worry about increasing government control over personal freedoms.
In prior statements, Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed power after the regime change, has affirmed his commitment to women's education and rights, seeking to avoid parallels with repressive regimes. A constitutional declaration signed in March also reaffirmed women's rights and the need for freedoms around expression and media.
This new regulation not only symbolizes a shift in local governance but also highlights the evolving conversations around personal freedoms and cultural guidelines in post-war Syria.
