"No Body Exposure for Women"... Syria Mandates Full-Body Swimsuits at Public Beaches

Dress Code Announced Six Months After Ousting Dictatorship
"Appropriate Swimwear Required in Consideration of Public Sentiment"

The Syrian interim government has announced a dress code requiring women to wear full-body swimsuits that do not expose their bodies at all public beaches and swimming pools.

According to foreign media outlets such as DPA and CNN on June 10 (local time), the Syrian interim government issued guidelines stating, "At public beaches and swimming pools, more modest swimwear (burkini or full-body covering swimsuits) must be worn."

A woman wearing a burkini entering the water (right). Photo by AP Yonhap News

The Syrian Ministry of Tourism also emphasized in a statement that "anyone visiting public beaches and swimming pools, whether tourists or locals, must wear appropriate swimwear that takes into account public sentiment and the sensitivities of various social groups." The ministry explained, "At public beaches and swimming pools, a burkini or a swimsuit that covers most of the body must be worn, and when moving from the beach to other locations, a beach gown or loose-fitting outer garment that does not cling to the body must be worn over the swimsuit."

A burkini is a full-body swimsuit designed for Muslim women, characterized by covering most of the body except for the face, hands, and feet. The name combines 'burka,' the Islamic garment that covers the entire body, and 'bikini.' For men, going shirtless is only permitted within designated swimming areas such as beaches or pools. However, in public areas outside the pool, including hotel lobbies and restaurants, men are not allowed to walk around without a shirt.

The Ministry of Tourism explained that "for men, it is advisable to cover the shoulders and knees in public places and to avoid clothing that is excessively tight or see-through." As an exception, Western-style swimsuits are allowed at resorts and hotels rated four stars or higher. Regular swimsuits may also be worn at private beaches and private pools.

The Ministry of Tourism stated that "lifeguards and managers at beaches and swimming pools will supervise compliance with the dress code." The specific penalties for violating the new dress code have not been disclosed. CNN analyzed that the guidelines announced by the Ministry of Tourism are part of the cultural changes that have occurred since Islamist rebels overthrew the Bashar al-Assad dictatorship in December last year. Previously, in March, the Syrian interim government, led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), appointed Ahmed Al-Shara, a former HTS leader, as interim president.