New York mayor sworn in using historic Ottoman-era Quran

In a historic ceremony, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani took his oath of office using a Quran dating back to the 18th century, originally copied in a region of the Ottoman Empire. The manuscript, now part of the New York Public Library's collection, represents a tangible link to Islamic heritage and marks a significant milestone with Mamdani as the first Muslim to lead the United States' largest city.

A Manuscript's Journey

The Quran used in the inauguration once belonged to Arturo Schomburg, a renowned Black scholar and collector of African diaspora history. Schomburg sold his vast collection to the New York Public Library in 1926. "This manuscript was copied in Ottoman Syria... it belonged to the everyday reader, and it now belongs to all New Yorkers," Mamdani stated, noting its simple, utilitarian design with black ink and red highlights. The library's president, Anthony W. Marx, said the Quran "symbolizes a greater story of inclusion, representation, and civic-mindedness."

A Historic Mayoral Profile

Mamdani's inauguration last week broke multiple barriers. At 34, he is not only New York City's first Muslim and South Asian mayor but also the youngest in generations and the first born on the African continent, in Kampala, Uganda. His electoral victory on November 4 over prominent opponents signalled a strong shift towards progressive politics within the Democratic Party, following his earlier rise from the New York State Assembly.

Policy Vision and Context

The new mayor's campaign centered on ambitious social and economic reforms for New York City, including pledges for free public buses, universal childcare, and a push to raise the minimum wage to $30 per hour by 2030. His use of the Ottoman-era Quran connects his personal faith and heritage to a broader narrative of cultural preservation and public access, with the manuscript available for public viewing at the library's main branch.