Syria Enforces Burkini Mandate for Women at Public Beaches

The Syrian government's new decree mandates that women must wear burkinis or other modest swimwear at public beaches. While some commend the move for moral and respectful reasons, others express discomfort with government control over personal choices.

Syria's Islamist-led interim government has taken a significant step by mandating that women must wear burkinis—a modest swimsuit covering the body except for the face, hands, and feet—at public beaches and swimming pools. This directive, revealed by the tourism ministry, aims to "enhance public safety standards and preserve public decency," as reported by the Syrian state news channel Al-Ikhbariyah al-Suriyah.

Notably, private beaches, clubs, and pools, as well as hotels boasting more than four stars, are exempt from this ruling. While traditionally, women dress modestly on Syria's shores, some have chosen Western-style swimwear. The government's new regulations insist that beachgoers utilize "more modest swimwear", explicitly mentioning the burkini or outfits that cover a larger portion of the body.

The decree emphasizes that women should wear cover-ups or loose clothing when moving between swimming areas, prohibiting travel in swimwear outside beach premises without proper covering. Additionally, men are required to wear shirts outside swimming zones and may not be bare-chested when away from swimming areas.

The statement clarified that what is considered "normal Western swimwear" is permitted at exempted locations "within the limits of public taste." More broadly, it encourages people to wear loose clothing covering shoulders and knees while avoiding transparent and tight attire.

Details on the potential penalties for non-compliance and enforcement measures remain vague, though a system for monitoring compliance involving lifeguards and supervisors has been mentioned.

Public response has been mixed. Celine, a woman from Idlib, acknowledged the positive moral aspects of the decree, stating many families feel uncomfortable with excessive exposure of skin. In contrast, Rita, a resident of Damascus, expressed her discomfort with the government-implemented rule, asserting that women previously enjoyed the freedom to dress as they wished on the coast.

This law raises concerns for those fearing restrictions on their personal freedoms. Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime by Islamist rebel forces led by Ahmed al-Sharaa in December, there was a promise of governance aimed at inclusivity. Sharaa, now interim president, has publicly advocated for women’s education and a commitment to avoid replicating the oppressive measures seen in countries like Afghanistan.

In March, Sharaa signed a constitutional declaration for a five-year transitional period, reaffirming Islam as the religion of the president while ensuring women's rights, freedom of expression, and media freedom, although Islamic jurisprudence remains a primary source of legislation.