Syria Enforces Burkini Mandate for Public Swimwear

The new directive from Syria's Islamist-led interim government mandates women to wear burkinis or covering swimwear at public beaches and pools, aiming to enhance public decency and safety. While some support the regulations for moral reasons, others express discomfort over the government’s control of clothing choices.

 

Syria's Islamist-led interim government has introduced a controversial regulation requiring women to don burkinis—swimsuits that preserve modesty by covering the body except for the face, hands, and feet—or other "decent" clothing at public beaches and swimming pools. This decree, reported by the Syrian state news channel Al-Ikhbariyah al-Suriyah, aims to "enhance public safety standards and preserve public decency." Notably, private beaches and high-end hotels with ratings of four stars or more are exempt from this mandate.

While modest attire is generally embraced by women at Syria's public beaches, many have opted for more Western swimwear in recent years. The new regulations specify that beach visitors should wear "more modest swimwear," including the burkini or attire that covers more of the body. The rules require women to cover their swimwear with loose clothing while transitioning between areas and prohibit walking in swimwear outside designated zones without appropriate cover. Additionally, men are required to wear shirts outside swimming areas and are not allowed to be bare-chested.

Although "normal Western swimwear" may be permitted within exempted areas, individuals are advised to wear loose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees while avoiding transparent or tight attire. The decree does not clarify the penalties or enforcement mechanisms for noncompliance but indicates that lifeguards and supervisors will be assigned to monitor adherence on the beaches.

The move has prompted varied responses from the public. One woman from Idlib expressed that, while the rules might enhance respect for public decency, she understands differing perspectives. Conversely, Rita, a resident of Damascus, voiced strong opposition to the new law, noting that prior to its introduction, women enjoyed the freedom to choose their beach attire. She perceives the regulation as an infringement on personal freedom and cautioned against the government's increasing control over citizens' choices.

The interim government's leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, emerged after the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime amid a long civil war. Al-Sharaa, now the country's interim president, has pledged an inclusive governance style. In a prior BBC interview, he advocated for women's rights and denied intentions to replicate Afghanistan's stringent restrictions on women.

In March, al-Sharaa formalized a transitional constitutional declaration, affirming that Islam is the religion of the president and signifying that Islamic jurisprudence serves as the primary legal foundation. The document also guarantees women's rights, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press.