Different reactions to the generalization of “modest swimwear” to the public beaches in Syria Varieties

The decision of the Syrian Ministry of Tourism to impose new instructions on the dress of beaches and public swimming pools sparked different reactions between supporters who considered the decision a step in the direction of “strengthening societal values”, and opponents in which they saw an unjustified restriction of personal freedoms.

The ministry announced yesterday, Tuesday, new instructions to wear “modest swimwear” in public facilities, including women and men alike, with a recommendation to use clothes that cover the body more, such as “Burkini”, and wearing a loose robe when leaving the swimming areas.

For men, the instructions stressed the non -appearance of the chest convertible in neighboring public places, such as the lobby of hotels and restaurants, while stressing “respect for public taste and feelings of various groups of society”, as stated in the statement published through the official platforms of the Ministry.

In its first paragraphs, the decision included public safety guidelines, then he was dismissed in the subsequent paragraphs, clothes for swimming in beaches and public facilities.

The decision included guidelines related to the safety of visitors at first, to expand later to clear controls about what can be worn inside public beaches and swimming pools, as the ministry called for wearing clothes covering the shoulders and knees, and preventing very transparent or tight clothes.

The Ministry of Tourism has provided exceptions to tourist resorts classified within the international groups (4 stars and above) and private clubs, where it allows wearing “regular Western swimwear”, provided that they are committed to “public morals and cultural behavior”.

Reactions

The decision opened a wide door for discussion on social media platforms, as many bloggers and media workers expressed their dissatisfaction with what they described as “imposing guardianship on personal life”, and the researcher Mahmoud Al -Tarran said, “If you were the place of the Minister of Tourism, I would have left the matters of swimming pools and beaches on their nature as they were and inherited by generations.”

On the other hand, the blog, Maya, replied that the law itself was used in the time of the regime of ousted President Bashar al -Assad.

In addition, some bloggers said that the decision may affect low -income people who cannot visit 5 -star resorts, and the media, Alia Mansour, considered that “the decision enters into the personal life of the poor from all sects who do not have money to go with their families to private pools.”

It is noteworthy that the Syrian coast extending about 180 km on the Mediterranean Sea is a favorite destination for domestic tourism, as it witnesses periodically during the summer the flow of local visitors and a few tourists coming from neighboring countries.

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