News|PoliticsZohran Mamdani sworn in as New York mayor with historic QuranThe incoming mayor will take his oath of office with two family editions of the Quran and a 19th century edition, symbolising New York City history.
Zohran Mamdani took office as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the city's history. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted using two Qurans: one belonging to Mamdani's grandfather and…
Zohran Mamdani took office as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the city's history. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted using two Qurans: one belonging to Mamdani's grandfather and another historic copy on loan from the New York Public Library (NYPL), formerly owned by Arturo Schomburg, a notable Black historian and writer.
The Quran borrowed from the library, previously owned by Schomburg, is part of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture's collection. Schomburg was instrumental in the Harlem Renaissance and his collection was acquired by the NYPL in 1926.
The Quran, characterized by its small size and black and red ink, suggests it was designed for everyday use. The library noted its production likely occurred in Ottoman Syria during the 19th century, indicated by its minute naskh script and a binding featuring a gilt-stamped medallion.
The NYPL emphasized the importance of this Quran beyond its aesthetic appeal, highlighting its role as a part of the nation’s largest public library system. According to Hiba Abid, curator of Middle Eastern and Islamic studies, the Quran is notable for its simple craftsmanship and accessibility to the public.
Zohran Mamdani took office as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the city's history.
Anthony W Marx, the library’s president and CEO, noted that the Quran's association with Schomburg represents broader themes of inclusion and representation.
Mamdani's use of the Quran is noteworthy as only a few US politicians have taken the oath of office with it. Although New York does not mandate the use of a religious text for the oath, many mayors have chosen to use a Bible. Mamdani's decision continues this tradition with a personal and culturally significant choice.
Past mayors have used various Bibles, such as Michael Bloomberg’s family Bible or Bill de Blasio’s Bible that belonged to Franklin D Roosevelt. Mamdani’s predecessor, Eric Adams, also used a family Bible during his oath.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.