New York ushered in a new era as Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office as mayor on a Quran, marking multiple firsts for the city’s leadership
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the city’s mayor early on New Year’s Day in a ceremony that broke with tradition and celebrated diversity.
Mamdani, 34, made history as the first Muslim, first South Asian and first African-born leader of the city. His inauguration began just after midnight in a private ceremony at the old City Hall subway station—a long-closed stop beneath Manhattan—where he took the oath of office with his hand on the Quran, Islam’s holy book.
In the public portion of the event later in the day at City Hall, Mamdani also used the Quran for his oath.
NEW YORK (AP) — Democrat Zohran Mamdani sworn in as mayor of New York City. pic.twitter.com/Gp3FJCQQPL
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 1, 2026
Using the Quran to swear in a mayor was unheard of in New York’s history, where most previous mayors have used a Bible.
As he took office, Mamdani expressed that his leadership will focus on “inclusivity and opportunity” for all New Yorkers, promising to address affordability, public transit, and social equity.
The inauguration also included public celebrations, with family, friends and supporters gathering to mark the start of his term.
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