Historic Quran from Zohran Mamdani’s Inauguration Debuts at NY Public Library”**
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A Quran with rich historical significance, used during Zohran Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony as New York City’s 112th mayor, is now showcased at the New York Public Library. The 18th or 19th-century Islamic manuscript, originating from Ottoman Syria, is being displayed in the McGraw Rotunda of the library’s main branch. Mamdani, who took office at the former City Hall subway station on January 1, 2026, was inaugurated by New York Attorney General Letitia James. This marks the first time a New York mayor used a Quran for such a ceremony, a practice shared by a few other U.S. officials like Keith Ellison and Ilhan Omar.
The Quran, loaned by the NYPL’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, is featured in an exhibition called “The People’s Quran: Making History at City Hall.” Barrye Brown, the Schomburg’s curator, emphasized the Quran’s role in connecting New Yorkers to this historic event. The manuscript, written primarily in naskh script with black ink and red highlights, was a practical copy for everyday use, distinct from more lavishly decorated Qurans.
The Quran’s journey to the NYPL is traced back to Arturo Schomburg, a significant figure in Harlem Renaissance history. Schomburg, dedicated to highlighting the contributions of people of African descent, sold his extensive collection to the library in 1926, enriching the Schomburg Center’s offerings.
During his inauguration, Mamdani used three Qurans: a pocket-sized one from the Schomburg collection, another belonging to his grandfather, and a family heirloom at a public ceremony led by Senator Bernie Sanders. This choice symbolized a convergence of faith, personal history, and cultural heritage, as noted by Hiba Abid, the NYPL’s curator for Middle Eastern and Islamic studies.
Anthony W. Marx, president and CEO of the NYPL, highlighted the Quran’s significance in terms of inclusion and representation. Mamdani’s election is notable for several firsts: he is the first millennial, South Asian, Muslim, Democratic Socialist, and African-born (from Uganda) mayor of New York City.
Coinciding with the Quran exhibition is the Schomburg Center’s centennial celebration and the NYPL’s exhibit “Niyū Yūrk,” which explores the history of Middle Eastern and North African immigration to New York City. This occurs alongside the state’s observance of Muslim American Heritage Month, introduced by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Zohran Mamdani expressed his honor at leading New York into a new chapter, paying tribute to the city’s legacy. The Quran exhibition is open to the public from January 6, 2026, with “Niyū Yūrk” running from October 4, 2025, to March 8, 2026.
