• Syria's interim government mandates that women wear burkinis or "decent" clothing at public beaches.
• Private clubs and luxury hotels are exempt from this dress code.
• The decree has sparked debate and mixed reactions among the public.
• Men are also subject to dress codes in public areas outside swimming zones.
• The move reflects a shift toward more conservative standards since the government’s rise to power.

The Syrian government has declared that women must wear burkinis or other modest swimwear at public beaches and swimming pools, marking a significant regulatory shift since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The tourism ministry stated that this directive aims to enhance public safety and maintain decency standards, allowing Western-style attire only at luxury resorts and private venues. Meanwhile, men are required to wear shirts outside swimming areas and are prohibited from being bare-chested in public settings, such as hotel lobbies and restaurants, according to SCMP, Dawn, and BBC.

The new decree comes amidst a backdrop of shifting societal norms after 13 years of civil conflict and the rise of an interim government led by Sunni Islamists. While the government claims the dress code is to respect public sentiment, there are concerns about potential restrictions on personal freedoms, sparking varied responses from the public. "Syria is a moderate and open country, and it should accommodate everyone without restrictions," one user lamented on social media, while others expressed approval of the regulations, advocating for adherence to cultural traditions, according to Reuters and India Times.

This decree signifies the first formal guidelines on women's attire since the regime's change, contrasting sharply with the previous secular policies under Assad, which did not impose such strict dress codes. Despite mixed reactions, there’s a clear intent to shape societal behavior towards more conservative values reflecting the interim government’s position. Some officials have downplayed the edict, stressing that Western swimwear is still permitted, albeit under specific contexts of public morality, according to sources including SCMP, Dawn, and Reuters.