Sex sells in Syria's souks

Sex sells in the souk, where Syrians flock to buy the latest lingerie, some of it edible, some sporting flashing lights and all of it kitsch personified.

Chocolate knickers, panties adorned with singing canaries, feathered bras that twinkle in the dark... all this and more can be found in the popular al-Hamidiyeh market, the best known in the capital Damascus.

"Women, veiled or otherwise, come here to buy -- and so do men," lingerie seller Samer said at his colorful stall on the way to the celebrated Omayyad Mosque.

He waved an arm at underwear of every description, color and material. Fluffy, flounced, vinyl complete with pocket for mobile phone, G-strings that fall away at the clap of hands, and of course the strawberry-flavored.

This year Samer plans to boost his business with a new line of naughty outfits, focusing on the schoolgirl, housewife and nurse.

"Jaguar Power" gum

His shop may be tiny, but his ambitions are big. Piled on a table is aphrodisiac chewing gum called 'Jaguar Power,' sexy massage oils and even delay sprays imported from China and Thailand.

"Many women buy these for themselves, and also for their husbands," he confided, unfazed to be surrounded by a rainbow orgy of frilly bodices and skimpy thongs.

Sales of such lingerie are scantier than they were three years ago, but merchants such as Samer are loath to blame global economic problems on a reduction in raunchiness.

They hope that come summer their shops will be bulging with tourists, mainly from Gulf Arab states, attracted by the delights of such alluring fripperies.

Maha, a 36-year-old pharmacist strolling through the souk with some friends, admitted she once bought some kitschy lingerie "for a laugh."

That such sexy garments are visibly on sale in a well-frequented Damascus market should come as no surprise, according to one Syrian sociologist who prefers not to be identified.

"The culture of sexual pleasure has an important role in Islam," he said of a patriarchal and conservative society in which polygamy is allowed.

"A Muslim woman works hard to ensure she is attractive. But she keeps her eroticism for her husband," he said. "She may be limited in personal liberties outside the home, but inside anything goes."

The culture of sexual pleasure has an important role in Islam

A Syrian sociologist

Belly-dancing outfits for brides

Amal, a pretty woman of 42 sporting a colorful scarf, has come to the al-Hamidiyeh souk to choose lingerie for her daughter who will get married to her cousin this summer.

A belly-dancing outfit has become a must for young brides, Amal said as she picked out a gold-sequined version for the blushing bride-to-be.

"Muslim wives must be desirable and pleasure their husbands so they don't stray," she added with a large grin.

The shopkeeper steers a male customer towards pink nighties trimmed with feathers and lacy basques or teddies.

Rashad, 37, chooses a little red-laced chiffon and vinyl number, for which he hands over $37 (€29).

"It's a present for my wife," he says. "I often buy her gifts to keep things new."

Muslim wives must be desirable and pleasure their husbands so they don't stray

Amal, a 42-year-old customer

"Islam orders the woman to keep herself pretty for her husband, that's well-known," Mohammad Habash, head of the Damascus Center for Islamic Studies, said.

He said there is nothing at all contradictory in a veiled Muslim woman buying sexy underwear.

"A woman can buy whatever she desires, even a dancer's outfit for when she wants to give pleasure to her husband," Habash added. "This is not only her right, it's an obligation."

Islam orders the woman to keep herself pretty for her husband, that's well-known

Mohammad Habash, Damascus Center for Islamic Studies