DAMASCUS,— Syria’s Islamist-led authorities have introduced new public swimwear guidelines for women at beaches and swimming pools, calling for modest attire such as the burkini, according to a decree issued by the Ministry of Tourism.
The directive, dated June 9, advises that women at public beaches wear swimwear that covers the body, including options like the burkini, to respect what officials describe as public decency and cultural norms.
It is the first such guideline issued since the fall of Bashar al-Assad and the rise of a Sunni Islamist government in Damascus after more than 13 years of war.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, previously held affiliations with militant groups including al-Qaeda, ISIS, and later founded the al-Nusra Front, which rebranded into Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Despite promises from al-Sharaa to uphold freedoms and guarantee women’s rights under an interim constitution, the new swimwear regulation signals a possible shift toward more conservative governance.
Assistant Tourism Minister Ghiath al-Farrah clarified that Western-style swimwear is not banned outright. “People wearing Western clothes are not being turned away,” he told Reuters. “This guideline allows the burkini, which was previously restricted in some locations, to be accepted in public spaces.”
He emphasized that the word “ban” does not appear in the official document. The decision, he noted, was not a presidential order and may be revised after the season.
The directive makes exceptions for private resorts, swimming clubs, and hotels rated four stars or higher. At those locations, Western swimwear remains permitted, provided it aligns with public morality standards.
According to the document, women should wear loose garments or cover-ups when moving away from swimming areas. Men are expected to wear shirts in public spaces outside designated swimming zones such as hotel lobbies and dining areas.
The new rules are part of a broader summer-season directive that also addresses health and safety. It includes recommendations to limit sun exposure and avoid encounters with jellyfish.
Political analyst Mahmoud Toron, who is aligned with the government, criticized the move. Writing on social media platform X, he said, “We already have enough sensitive issues. I would have left beaches and pools out of this.”
Under the Assad regime, which promoted secular Arab nationalism, there were no state-mandated beach dress codes, although cultural traditions often led people to dress conservatively. Since the power shift in Damascus, some flyers promoting modest dress have been spotted, but no official government directives had been issued—until now.
Religious scholars note that interpretations of Islamic law often influence public policy in states governed by Islamist groups. Some experts say such interpretations can result in restrictions on women’s rights and personal freedoms, including dress codes.
They point out that the Taliban in Afghanistan, for example, enforce similar regulations based on Islamic texts, not newly invented doctrines.
(With files from Reuters | Agencies)
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