02.01.2026 14:09
Zohran Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor elected in New York, took an oath by placing his hand on the Quran during a special ceremony held in the early hours of the new year. Mamdani's public oath ceremony will also take place on the steps of New York City Hall in the afternoon. Following the private and public oath ceremonies, Mamdani will officially begin his term.
In the United States, Zohran Mamdani took an oath on the Quran in the first hours of the new year as New York's first elected Muslim mayor.
ONLY FAMILY MEMBERS AND CLOSE FRIENDS ATTENDED
A special ceremony was held at the Old City Hall Subway Station, built in 1904 in New York City, where only family members and close friends of Mamdani attended in the first hours of the new year. The ceremony at the currently unused station was presided over by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
During the ceremony, Mamdani took an oath on the Quran as New York City's first elected Muslim mayor.
"THIS IS A HONOR AND PRIVILEGE THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME"
Addressing the attendees on the station's stairs, Mamdani said, "This is truly an honor and privilege that will last a lifetime. I eagerly look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow as we begin our duties."
Highlighting the significance of the ceremony held at the Old City Hall Subway Station, Mamdani stated, "This is proof of how important public transportation is for the vibrancy, health, and heritage of our city."
A PUBLIC OATH CEREMONY WILL ALSO BE HELD
Mamdani's public oath ceremony will take place at noon on the steps of New York City Hall. During the ceremony, New York Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will deliver the opening speech, and the oath will be administered by Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders. Following the ceremony, which is expected to be attended by approximately 4,000 ticketed guests, Mamdani will host a public street party on Broadway Avenue, where tens of thousands can participate for free.
As part of the public oath ceremony, the New York Police Department (NYPD) will close many streets and avenues in Manhattan to traffic. Mamdani, who made history by winning the mayoral elections in New York, will officially begin his duties as the city's first Muslim mayor after the private and public oath ceremonies.
MAMDANI WON THE MAYORAL ELECTIONS ON NOVEMBER 4
34-year-old Mamdani, born in Uganda, became "the youngest and first Muslim name to lead the largest city in the U.S. in the last century" according to the unofficial results of the elections held on November 4.
According to CBS News data, more than 2 million people voted in the election. This was "the highest turnout rate recorded since 1969." In the election, Mamdani received 1 million 39 thousand votes.