Zohran Mamdani Sworn in as New York's First Muslim Mayor, Takes Oath on the Holy Quran

Zohran Mamdani has officially taken office as the mayor of New York City, making history as the city’s first Muslim mayor and the youngest person in generations to hold the position. A Democrat, Mamdani was sworn in shortly after midnight on Thursday at a historic, decommissioned subway station in Manhattan, placing his hand on the Quran as he took the oath. Calling the moment “the honour and privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James at the old City Hall station, renowned for its elegant arched ceilings. He is set to take the oath again at a larger public ceremony at City Hall at 1pm (18:00 GMT), administered by US Senator Bernie Sanders, followed by a public celebration on Broadway’s “Canyon of Heroes.” At 34, Mamdani becomes not only the youngest mayor in generations, but also the city’s first mayor of South Asian descent and the first to be born in Africa. He now steps into one of the most demanding roles in US politics as a closely watched national figure. Campaigning on affordability, the democratic socialist has pledged sweeping reforms aimed at easing the cost of living in one of the world’s most expensive cities.