Syria’s new Islamist authorities said on Tuesday that women going to public beaches must wear burkinis or other “decent” clothes that cover the body, giving some private venues an exemption.
In the largely conservative country, few women wear swimsuits that reveal their bodies.
Six months after Islamist-led forces toppled long-time Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian tourism ministry announced in a statement that beachgoers must wear “more decent” clothes, citing the “public’s interest” as a reason.
Women must wear “burkinis or swimwear that covers more of the body” on public beaches, the statement said.
Outside swimming areas, women must wear loose-fitting clothing while men are not allowed to be topless.
Private beach clubs and venues considered “luxurious” by authorities do not have to abide by the new rules, with the tourism ministry saying “Western swimsuits are allowed” there within the limits of “general morals”. Other private establishments must follow the modesty rules.
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Two weeks to Damascus: how Syrian rebels toppled the Assad regime
Two weeks to Damascus: how Syrian rebels toppled the Assad regime