The Syrian Ministry of Tourism has issued new regulations regarding swimwear in public beaches and pools, sparking a heated debate.
The new rules require women to wear a burkini or a "more modest" swimsuit, while men are prohibited from going topless outside of the water. This decision has been met with widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an infringement on individual freedoms.
The Ministry of Tourism cited "respect for public taste and moral values" as the reason for the new regulations. The guidelines specify that women should wear "more modest swimsuits," such as the burkini, and emphasize the need for a "loose robe" when out of the water. For men, the ministry has prohibited toplessness in public areas within the facilities.
Exceptions are allowed in high-rated hotels and tourist resorts, where "normal Western" swimsuits are permitted, provided public decency is respected. This has led to a divide on social media, with some supporting the decision as a way to "protect identity and values," while others see it as an "interference in personal freedoms."
The regulations have drawn strong reactions from the public. One individual questioned the need for such restrictions, stating, "Who told them we don't have morals? The world has reached Mars, and some of these officials haven't left the 18th century."
Another young person expressed concern that the Ministry's decision is an attempt to impose a specific model of behavior and dress on a diverse society, disregarding social diversity and personal choice.
As Syria aims to improve its image and attract tourists, the imposition of strict limitations on individual freedoms may have the opposite effect, especially in tourism, which caters to a diversity of visitors and cultures. The question remains whether the Ministry of Tourism can attract tourists while potentially excluding its own citizens in the name of "public taste."