For the first time in New York City’s history, the oath of office for mayor was taken on the Quran. Newly elected Zohran Mamdani officially assumed office on January 1, 2026, according to the Associated Press.
Before him, most mayors took the oath on the Bible. Mamdani, as a Muslim, remained faithful to his beliefs and held the ceremony with the Quran. In the United States, the use of a religious book during the oath-taking is not mandatory.
During the election campaign, Mamdani focused mainly on the high cost of living, housing rent issues, and the abolition of public transportation fares. Throughout the campaign, he actively mobilized Muslim and South Asian voters in New York.
After his victory, former President Barack Obama called Mamdani to congratulate him. Mamdani describes himself as a “democratic socialist” and is promoting a number of initiatives related to social equality. Mamdani cannot become President of the United States because he was born in Uganda.
As a result, for the first time in history, the administration of New York City has come under the leadership of a Muslim mayor. Significant changes are expected in the city, which has a population of nearly 8.5 million and a budget of approximately $120 billion. In addition, voter turnout exceeded 2 million for the first time since 1969.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
Users of Меҳмон are not allowed to comment this publication.
