New York City Swears In First Muslim Mayor in Historic Ceremony

New York City has inaugurated its first Muslim mayor. Zohran Mamdani took office in a private ceremony just after midnight on January 1. The event was held in a decommissioned subway station beneath City Hall. Mamdani, a millennial of South Asian heritage, swore his oath on the Quran.This marks a significant moment in the city’s civic history. According to the Associated Press, the ceremony blended personal faith with deep historical symbolism. The new mayor emphasized this as the start of a new era for all New Yorkers.

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Zohran Mamdani used multiple Qurans during the inauguration ceremonies. For the private midnight event, he used his grandfather’s Quran and one from the New York Public Library’s collection. That second text once belonged to Arturo Schomburg, a famed Black scholar.Schomburg was not Muslim but collected the text to document Black cultural life. “It brings together elements of faith, identity and New York history,” said library curator Hiba Abid. The choice powerfully connects Mamdani’s faith to the city’s diverse heritage.For the public ceremony later that day, Mamdani used Qurans from both his grandfather and grandmother. His senior adviser, Zara Rahim, stated this addressed a “long deferred absence” of Muslims from the city’s civic spotlight. Most previous mayors used a Bible for their oaths.

Ceremony in Abandoned Station Highlights Civic Ambition

The private swearing-in was held in the Old City Hall subway station. This architectural gem opened in 1904 and was decommissioned in 1945. Mamdani described it as a monument to a city that dared to build beautiful, transformative public works.New York Attorney General Letitia James administered the midnight oath. She said the subway setting reflected the city’s shared civic journey. The public ceremony on the City Hall steps was led by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.The inauguration celebrations included a block party along Broadway. The event’s unique locations and rituals aimed to set a tone for Mamdani’s administration. It highlighted a focus on public infrastructure and inclusive representation.

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This historic inauguration of New York City’s first Muslim mayor represents a profound shift in the city’s political identity. The carefully chosen symbols point toward an administration focused on unifying the city’s diverse communities and ambitious public legacy.

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Who is Zohran Mamdani?

Zohran Mamdani is the newly inaugurated mayor of New York City. He is the city’s first Muslim mayor and a millennial of South Asian descent. He was born in Uganda before moving to the United States.

Why was the Schomburg Quran used?

The Schomburg Quran was used for its deep symbolic connection to Black history in New York. Arturo Schomburg collected it to document the breadth of Black cultural and religious life. Its use links the new mayor’s faith to a broader legacy of inclusion.

Where was the private ceremony held?

The private midnight oath was held in the abandoned Old City Hall subway station. This historic station is a landmark located directly beneath City Hall. It opened in 1904 and has been out of public use since 1945.

Have other U.S. officials used a Quran?

Yes, a small number of U.S. officials have used a Quran for swearing-in. Examples include former Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Representative Ilhan Omar. In New York City, Council member Shahana Hanif also used a Quran in 2022.

What was the political reaction?

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams initially expressed some hesitation about attending. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed his attendance. The event proceeded with significant symbolism focused on unity and the city’s future.