New Swimwear Law in Syria
The military junta in control of Syria, led by former al-Qaeda officer Ahmed al-Sharaa, has introduced legislation mandating that women wear full-body coverings at public beaches and pools. This ruling is part of an effort to enforce Islamic dress codes.
The Military Ministry of Tourism explained that appropriate swimsuits should “respect public decency” and consider the sentiments of different societal segments. Women are specifically instructed to wear burkinis—swimsuits that cover the entire body—and to don loose robes when moving between the beach and other areas.
Men must also adhere to dressing guidelines, required to wear shirts while swimming and avoid exposing their torsos in public spaces like hotel lobbies and restaurants.
Interestingly, the new law does allow some leniency for foreign visitors. High-end hotels and private beaches could permit “regular Western swimsuits” as long as they align with what is deemed “public morality” and acceptable to the community.
The specifics regarding enforcement of this directive or potential penalties remain unclear. Sharaa’s administration is navigating the challenges of religious law after overthrowing the secular regime of Bashar Assad, which was known for its strict repressive measures.
Since taking power, Sharaa has tried to present his government as more Islamic but also inclusive, reassuring that he won’t establish a rigid caliphate like the Taliban in Afghanistan, while advocating for modern concepts such as women’s education.
This approach seems aimed at garnering Western support, particularly after policies against Assad. Sharaa has also indicated that his administration is temporary and that a more diverse government will emerge from future elections.
Concerns from the international community revolve around potential ethnic cleansing or violent retribution against groups like the Alawis, Christians, and Druze, especially as tensions still run high following the Assad regime.
Despite threats and violence against these minority groups, efforts have so far prevented widespread ethnic cleansing. Recently, former President Trump expressed support for Sharaa, describing him positively while easing sanctions on Syrian leaders.
In a recent statement, Sharaa proclaimed that Islamic law would serve as the foundational source of legislation in Syria. The new burkini law marks one of the first overtly Islamic regulations enforced by the government post-Assad. Some reports have surfaced of flyers urging women to cover their skin, though their origin remains ambiguous.
Opinions are divided on social media regarding the swimsuit regulations, ranging from feminist discontent to support for conservative standards. A Facebook user voiced that public spaces should accommodate all social groups, adding that many in Syria find the new stipulations unwelcome.
