Mamdani to use 19th-century Quran from the New York Public Library at swearing-in ceremony
Photos courtesy of Jonathan Blanc/The New York Public Library
At his swearing-in ceremony at midnight on New Year’s Eve, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will use a 19th-century Quran from the collections of the New York Public Library. Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, will put his hand on a Quran that belonged to Arturo Schomburg, a historian and writer whose collection of Black literature, art, and other materials formed the foundation of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
“This marks a significant moment in our city’s history, and we are deeply honored that Mayor-elect Mamdani has chosen to take the oath of office using one of the Library’s Qur’ans,” Anthony W. Marx, president and CEO of The New York Public Library, said.
“This specific Qur’an, which Arturo Schomburg preserved for the knowledge and enjoyment of all New Yorkers, symbolizes a greater story of inclusion, representation, and civic-mindedness.”
The Quran selected by Mamdani is symbolic for both its connection to one of New York City’s most important scholars and for its simple qualities. With its black and red ink and small size, the book was likely designed for the ordinary reader. According to the library, the Quran’s “minute naskh script and its binding, featuring a gilt-stamped medallion filled with a floral composition, suggest it was produced in Ottoman Syria in the 19th century.”
Although not Muslim, Schomburg collected the Quran as part of his understanding and appreciation of the contributions of people of African descent. In 1926, he sold more than 4,000 items to NYPL to create the research collection that now bears his name.
Following Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony at the abandoned City Hall subway station on New Year’s Eve, the Quran will be on display in the McGraw Rotunda at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building starting January 6, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Schomburg Center.
According to the New York Times, Mamdani plans to use two other Qurans in addition to the one on loan from the library. At City Hall on Thursday, he will use one belonging to his grandfather during the private ceremony and one owned by his grandmother during the public ceremony.
Hiba Abid, the NYPL’s curator of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, helped Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, select the Quran, according to the Times.
“The significance of this Qur’an extends far beyond the beauty of its pages,” Abid said in a statement.
“It is a Qur’an close to the people, not only because of its simple craftsmanship, but also because it is part of the collections of the nation’s largest public library system. Its importance lies not in luxury, but in accessibility, and we hope it inspires more New Yorkers to explore the rich diversity of our Middle Eastern and Islamic collections.”
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