After five decades of selling newspapers on the Left Bank of Paris, 72-year-old Ali Akbar, known for his warm presence and joyful demeanor, is being honored with the Order of Merit by President Emmanuel Macron. A former customer during his student days, Macron’s recognition of Akbar highlights the importance of preserving cultural traditions in an increasingly digital world.
“I started in 1973 with around 35 or 40 fellow hawkers; now I stand alone,” Akbar recalls, reflecting on the dwindling numbers of newspaper vendors. The surge of digital media has dramatically altered his business; he now sells about 30 copies of Le Monde a day, a stark contrast to the 80 copies he sold in just the first hour back in the pre-internet era.
Despite the decline in his trade, Akbar maintains his post out of love for the job. “I am a joyous person and I am free. I have no one giving me orders,” he states, showcasing a sense of independence that keeps him motivated. The people of Saint-Germain cherish his presence, with many locals calling him a beloved figure in the neighborhood.
Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Akbar journeyed to Europe in the late 1960s, initially working on a cruise ship before eventually settling in Paris in 1973. His experience has granted him insights into the city’s cultural evolution, where the vibrant intellectual and artistic milieu of the past has shifted to a more tourism-focused atmosphere. “The place had soul. But now it is just tourist-town,” he laments, yet continues to laugh joyfully.
Selling newspapers has allowed Akbar to connect with numerous artists and politicians, including a memorable moment with Elton John. Regardless of how times have changed, his passion for the printed word remains a testament to a bygone era. As he prepares to accept the Order of Merit, Akbar represents the enduring spirit of newspaper hawking in the heart of Paris.
