Syria has issued a new conservative dress code on Tuesday (10), demanding that women use “burquin” or swimsuits that cover the whole body on all public beaches, the latest cultural change since Islamic rebels toppled the dictator Bashar al-Assad regime last December.
The Ministry of Tourism said the new guidelines were elaborated “in the name of the public interest.”
“Visitors of beaches and public swimming pools, whether tourists or local residents, are required to use adequate bath costumes that take into account the public’s taste and the sensitivities of various segments of society,” said Tourism Minister Mazen Al-Sahani, in a Facebook-published guideline.
“More modest bath costumes are mandatory on beaches and public swimming pools (Burkinis or bath costumes that cover the body more),” said the guideline, adding: “When moving between the beach and other places, it is necessary to use a beach exit or a wide robe (for women) about the bath costumes.”
Men are required to wear shirts according to the new rules, which say “topless clothing are not allowed in public areas outside swimming areas, hotels and food service areas.”
“In public areas outside beaches and pools, it is preferable to wear loose clothes, covering shoulders and knees, and avoid transparent or very tight clothing,” according to the standard.
However, the ministry stated that in resorts and hotels “classified as international and premium (4 stars)” and in private Western “private bath costumes are allowed” beaches and pools.
It is unclear what repercussions will be that people who do not follow the guidelines will face, but the ministry said that “salvo and beach supervisors” will monitor to ensure compliance.
New government
The new regulations reflect the influence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamic coalition that.
Previously known as Al-Nusra Front, HTS is considered a terrorist group throughout the US and the United Kingdom.
Syrian interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa, who signed the guideline on the dress code, led HTS in the lightning offensive that, whose regime had been in power several decades ago.
In March, Al-Sharaa signed a provisional constitution that determines the Islamic regime for a transient phase of five years.
Al-Sharaa stated in December that the reformulation of the Syrian Constitution could take three years with.
The American organization Human Rights Watch said in March that the “broad authority of Al-Sharaa raises serious concerns about the durability of the rule of law and the protection of human rights unless clear safeguards are implemented.”
Tourism Minister Al-Salhani, who recently courted investors of Qatar and Saudi Arabia for tourist projects in the value of “billions of dollars”, defined the rules as a respect for Syria’s cultural, social and religious diversity.
The announcement occurs amid an effort to reactivate the tourism industry in Syria after – a measure that US President Donald Trump has described as a “chance of greatness” to Syria.
