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Zohran Mamdani Makes History as First NYC Mayor Sworn In on Quran

Zohran Mamdani will become the first mayor of New York City to be sworn into office using a Quran, highlighting his historic role as the city's first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born mayor. The private midnight ceremony will take place at a long-closed subway station, symbolizing his focus on public infrastructure and working-class New Yorkers. Attorney General Letitia James will administer the oath, followed by a public ceremony led by Senator Bernie Sanders with remarks from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. This dual ceremony continues a tradition for incoming mayors while marking a significant moment for religious and cultural representation in the city's leadership.

Key Points: NYC Mayor Sworn In on Quran in Historic First

  • First Muslim NYC mayor sworn in on Quran
  • Historic ceremony at closed 1945 subway station
  • Midnight oath by Attorney General Letitia James
  • Public ceremony with Bernie Sanders and AOC
2 min read

In a first for New York, Zohran Mamdani to be sworn in as Mayor on Quran

Zohran Mamdani becomes NYC's first Muslim mayor, sworn in on a Quran at a historic subway station, marking a milestone for representation.

"commitment to the working people who keep our city running every day — Mamdani's office on the ceremony location"

New York, Jan 1

Incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani will take his oath of office on a centuries-old Quran, marking the first time a mayor of New York City will be sworn in using Islam's holy text, according to local media reports.

The move comes against the backdrop of a series of historic moments as Mamdani prepares to assume office.

When the 34-year-old Democrat formally becomes mayor shortly after midnight, he will be the first Muslim, the first South Asian and the first African-born individual to hold the city's top executive post.

Mamdani's team has planned two swearing-in ceremonies, following a long-standing New York tradition under which a new Mayor's term officially begins the moment the New Year starts, the New York Times reported.

The first oath-taking ceremony will be held just after midnight in a private setting attended by close family members at the former City Hall subway station in Manhattan.

The historic station, one of the original stops on New York City's earliest underground transit line, has been closed since 1945 and is rarely opened to the public.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams and former mayor Bill de Blasio had also followed similar dual-inauguration traditions, with an initial oath taken shortly after midnight followed by a larger public ceremony later in the day.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is a political supporter of Mamdani and a notable opponent of US President Donald Trump, will administer the midnight swearing-in ceremony.

Mamdani's office said the decision to hold the ceremony at the long-shuttered subway station reflects his "commitment to the working people who keep our city running every day".

Mamdani has described the site as symbolic of a time when New York invested heavily in public infrastructure to improve everyday life, an ambition he has said his administration intends to revive.

Later on Thursday afternoon, Mamdani will take the oath of office again during a public ceremony on the steps of City Hall. That event will be administered by Senator Bernie Sanders, one of Mamdani's political inspirations, and is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. local time.

Opening remarks at the public ceremony will be delivered by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a close ally of the mayor-elect.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Interesting to see the oath on the Quran. In India, our leaders take oaths on the constitution or texts of their choice. The location in the old subway station is a nice touch—focusing on public infrastructure is a universal need, whether in Mumbai or New York.
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Rohit P
First Muslim, first South Asian mayor of NYC! This is huge for the diaspora. Hope he focuses on real issues like housing and transport, not just symbolism. The support from Sanders and AOC shows the political direction. Let's see if he delivers for the "working people".
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Sarah B
While I respect the cultural significance, I hope the administration's performance is judged on governance and results for all New Yorkers, not just on identity. The article mentions reviving public infrastructure—that's a promise every citizen, regardless of background, will hold him to.
K
Karthik V
As a South Asian, it's inspiring to see. But the real test begins now. Running a city like New York is no small task. The symbolism is strong, but can he bridge divides and manage the city's complex challenges? His team seems progressive, so hopeful for positive change.
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Nisha Z
Love the historic station venue! It shows a connection to the city's roots and the common people. In India, we also value leaders who remember their origins. May he serve with integrity and hard work. The midnight ceremony tradition is quite unique!

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