Syria's New Swimming Regulations Mandate Burkinis for Women

The Syrian interim government's directive mandates that women don burkinis or other modest swimwear at public beaches, aiming to uphold moral standards. While some support the regulation, others express concerns over restrictions on personal choices amidst an ongoing cultural shift.

Syria's interim government has enacted a new decree requiring women to wear burkinis—full-body swimsuits that leave only the face, hands, and feet uncovered—while at public beaches and swimming pools. This regulation, issued by the ministry of tourism, is presented as an effort to enhance public safety and preserve moral standards, as reported by the Syrian state news outlet Al-Ikhbariyah al-Suriyah.

Private beaches, clubs, and pools, along with hotels rated four stars or higher, are exempt from these regulations. Historically, modest swimwear has been common in Syria, but some women have also opted for more Western styles. This new directive underscores the interim government's aim to promote adherence to modesty across public spaces. Specifically, swimwear must cover more of the body, and women are advised to wear cover-ups when transitioning between water and land.

Additionally, men are required to wear shirts outside swimming areas, reinforcing a standard of modesty for all beachgoers. The regulations discourage the wearing of transparent or tight clothing and recommend loose garments that cover the shoulders and knees. The government has not specified enforcement penalties for non-compliance but plans to assign lifeguards and supervisors to monitor adherence.

Reactions to the regulation have been divided. One woman from Idlib acknowledged the potential benefits of the decree, stating that some families may feel more comfortable in a modest environment. In contrast, Rita from Damascus expressed discomfort with the restrictions, highlighting a long-standing tradition of personal choice at beaches, irrespective of differing religious backgrounds. Rita's concerns extend beyond swimwear to the broader implications of government control over personal freedoms.

This decree arrives in the wake of a significant political shift in Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad's regime by Islamist rebel forces in December. Under the new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, promises of an inclusive governance approach emerged, which has raised questions about the balance between personal freedoms and cultural values during the transitional phase. In March, Sharaa signed a constitutional declaration emphasizing women's rights alongside Islamic legal principles.

As Syria navigates its evolving political landscape, the impact of such regulations on women's rights and public sentiment remains to be seen amidst diverging perspectives from its citizens.