Zohran Mamdani NYC Mayor Inauguration: A Historic Oath on a 200-Year-Old Quran

New York's leadership just turned a historic page. On January 1, 2026, Zohran Mamdani became the first Muslim and South Asian mayor to be sworn into office in the United States' largest metropolis. Breaking with the tradition of using a Bible, Mamdani took his oath in a private ceremony at a disused Times Square subway station, using a 200-year-old Quran on loan from the New York Public Library.

Zohran Mamdani NYC Mayor Inauguration and the Schomburg Legacy

The historic text, known as the Schomburg Quran, once belonged to Arturo Schomburg, a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Produced in 19th-century Ottoman Syria, the artifact's presence at the ceremony symbolizes a deep connection between faith and New York's diverse cultural history. According to the New York Public Library, its selection highlights a story of inclusion and representation that defines the city's modern era.

Leading Amidst Political Polarity

Mamdani's path to City Hall wasn't without friction. As a Democratic Socialist, he's faced sharp criticism from opponents like Representative Elise Stefanik, who labeled him with inflammatory rhetoric during the campaign. Despite this, Mamdani remains a firm critic of current Gaza policies and has vowed to govern from the "light," refusing to hide his identity or his faith. He'll use two more family Qurans for the public ceremony at City Hall this Friday.