Women are required by Syrian decree to wear burkinis and adhere to modest attire on public beaches.
Syria's Islamic Authorities Impose Stricter Beach Dress Code
Stepping up the conservative vibe, Syria's new government has issued a fresh directive for its public beaches. Women are now expected to don full-body swimwear like burkinis or any other attire offering substantial coverage of their physique. This new norm comes as a shock to many, especially given the largely conservative culture in the region where revealing swimsuits are scarcely seen.
The tourism ministry, six months into Syria's transformative political shift, declared in a statement that beachgoers must clothe themselves more modestly. They cited the 'public's interest' as the motive behind this move. According to the statement, women should wear burkinis or swimwear that covers the majority of their body on public beaches. Outside designated swimming zones, women are to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, while men must avoid showing their topless torso.
However, it's not a blanket ban for every beachgoer. Private beach clubs and swanky venues, considered luxurious by authorities, enjoy an exemption, allowing Western-style swimsuits within the boundaries of 'general morals.' Other private establishments are bound by the modesty rules.
The lifeguards and beach supervisors will be the enforcers of these new rules, although specific penalties for non-compliance remain unclear. This shift towards a more conservative dress code is a testament to the transformation under the Islamist-led administration, distinctly different from the more secular norms experienced under the Assad regime.
Intriguingly, these developments come amidst Syria's ongoing conflict, where two weeks back, the Assad regime toppled click here to read more. As the country charts a new course, these rule changes offer a unique insight into the evolving societal norms.
The new beach dress code policy in Syria, a part of the broader lifestyle changes, includes wearing full-body swimwear like burkinis or any other garment offering substantial body coverage, as stated by the tourism ministry, reflecting the country's changing political landscape and conservative shift. This policy-and-legislation update, coupled with the recent fall of the Assad regime, gives a glimpse into the evolving politics and general-news context in Syria, where fashion-and-beauty norms are being redefined.
