New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Sworn In with Historic Quran

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani Sworn In with Historic Quran

Zohran Mamdani, the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City, took office on Thursday with a unique swearing-in ceremony. The event was held at a disused subway station under Times Square, where two family editions of the Quran were used.

One of the Quans was borrowed from the New York Public Library (NYPL) for the private ceremony, while the other belonged to Mamdani’s grandfather and grandmother. The historic Quran, which once belonged to Arturo Schomburg, a Black historian and writer, was chosen by the library due to its connection to one of New York’s most groundbreaking scholars.

The Quran, produced in Ottoman Syria in the 19th century, is small in size and features black and red ink. It is neither signed nor dated, but its script and binding suggest it was crafted for everyday use. The NYPL praised Mamdani’s decision to use this particular Quran due to its historical significance and functional qualities.

Mamdani plans to use the two Quans during a daytime ceremony at New York City Hall on Friday. This will mark his first official act as mayor, following his swearing-in ceremony.

Source: Al Jazeera