In a poignant tribute to cultural legacy, Ali Akbar, popularly known as the last newspaper hawker in France, is set to receive the Order of Merit from President Emmanuel Macron next month. After spending over 50 years selling newspapers on the iconic Left Bank of Paris, Akbar's journey embodies not just a profession, but a profound connection to the heart of the city.
The 72-year-old began his career in 1973 when there were dozens of hawkers lining the streets of Paris. With a nostalgic smile, he recalls the bustling days when he sold up to 80 copies of Le Monde within the first hour of its release, surrounded by eager readers. “Now, I am alone in this profession,” he notes, reflecting on the digital shift that has transformed how people consume news. “It’s discouraging, but I do it for the joy it brings me.”
Despite the drastic decline in sales, with his current figures hovering around 30 copies a day, Akbar remains undeterred. He finds independence and happiness in his role, stating, “I am a joyous person. There’s no one giving me orders.” His vibrant spirit has endeared him to locals, some of whom consider him family after decades of rapport.
Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Akbar traveled through Europe before landing in Paris, where he became part of the rich cultural tapestry of the Saint-Germain neighborhood. He has rubbed shoulders with numerous celebrities and writers, having even shared a milky tea with Elton John. However, he mourns the changing atmosphere of the area, lamenting the loss of its once-great artistic soul to tourism.
Today, Akbar continues to navigate the streets with a paper in hand, embodying a bridge between past and present in a city that is perpetually evolving. “The soul has gone,” he muses, but his laughter reveals a love for both his work and the community that has embraced him throughout his extraordinary journey.
The 72-year-old began his career in 1973 when there were dozens of hawkers lining the streets of Paris. With a nostalgic smile, he recalls the bustling days when he sold up to 80 copies of Le Monde within the first hour of its release, surrounded by eager readers. “Now, I am alone in this profession,” he notes, reflecting on the digital shift that has transformed how people consume news. “It’s discouraging, but I do it for the joy it brings me.”
Despite the drastic decline in sales, with his current figures hovering around 30 copies a day, Akbar remains undeterred. He finds independence and happiness in his role, stating, “I am a joyous person. There’s no one giving me orders.” His vibrant spirit has endeared him to locals, some of whom consider him family after decades of rapport.
Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Akbar traveled through Europe before landing in Paris, where he became part of the rich cultural tapestry of the Saint-Germain neighborhood. He has rubbed shoulders with numerous celebrities and writers, having even shared a milky tea with Elton John. However, he mourns the changing atmosphere of the area, lamenting the loss of its once-great artistic soul to tourism.
Today, Akbar continues to navigate the streets with a paper in hand, embodying a bridge between past and present in a city that is perpetually evolving. “The soul has gone,” he muses, but his laughter reveals a love for both his work and the community that has embraced him throughout his extraordinary journey.
