Syria’s interim government has announced a new regulation requiring women to wear burkinis at public beaches and swimming pools. This decision, made by the tourism ministry, aims to promote public safety and maintain decency in public spaces.
The directive specifies that women must wear burkinis, which are swimsuits that cover the body except for the face, hands, and feet. Alternatively, women can choose other "decent" clothing while at these locations. The government noted that private beaches, clubs, and pools, as well as hotels with more than four stars, are exempt from this rule.
While many women in Syria already dress modestly at public beaches, some prefer Western-style swimwear. Under the new rules, beachgoers are also required to wear cover-ups or loose clothing when moving between swimming areas. The decree strictly prohibits wearing swimwear outside of the beach without appropriate cover. Men are also subject to similar guidelines, as they must wear shirts when not swimming and cannot be bare-chested outside designated swimming areas.
The government has indicated that "normal Western swimwear" is allowed at exempted locations, but it must still align with public taste. Additionally, the directive calls for all beach and pool visitors to wear loose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, avoiding tight or transparent garments.
This announcement comes in the context of recent political changes in Syria. The interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, took power after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and has expressed intentions to govern inclusively. He has assured that women’s rights will be respected, despite the new regulations that emphasize modesty.
While the decree outlines safety measures for beaches and pools, it remains unclear how compliance will be enforced or if there will be penalties for those who do not follow the rules. As these changes unfold, they reflect ongoing tensions between cultural practices and the evolving political landscape in Syria.