At the age of 72, Ali Akbar has become a staple of the Parisian culture, maintaining a unique profession that is largely fading into obscurity, as he walks through the streets with his catchphrase, “Ça y est!”
The Last Newspaper Hawker: A Life in Parisian Streets
The Last Newspaper Hawker: A Life in Parisian Streets
Discover the enduring legacy of Ali Akbar, the last newspaper hawker in Paris, who has captivated the city with his humor and charm for over 50 years.
Article text:
In the heart of St.-Germain-des-Prés, a vibrant district in Paris teeming with literary cafes and upscale boutiques, the streets resonate with the joyful call of Ali Akbar, a man who has defined the art of newspaper hawking in the French capital. Known for his infectious smile and ever-present humor, Akbar has dedicated more than five decades of his life to selling newspapers, proudly waving his colorful stack and proclaiming “Ça y est!” or “That’s it!”
Originally hailing from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Akbar's journey began in 1974, and he has since become a beloved figure among Parisians as well as numerous dignitaries. His knack for storytelling often captivates onlookers, sometimes prompting him to weave whimsical tales into his pitches, like, “Ça y est! The war is over, Putin asks forgiveness!”— a statement that inspires laughter amid somber current events.
As he navigates the bustling cafe culture, including famous establishments such as the Café de Flore and Brasserie Lipp, Akbar represents a bygone era. The profession of newspaper hawking thrived in Paris decades ago, particularly during the period of early cinema in the 1960s when iconic images of people like Jean Seberg holding newspapers were immortalized.
Back in the day, the portrayal of newspaper hawkers played a pivotal role in French cinema, as seen in Jean-Luc Godard's “Breathless.” The film captures the essence of this youthful enterprise, though today, newspaper sales struggle against digital ascent, pushing traditional vendors like Akbar to the fringes.
However, resilience defines Akbar's spirit as he continues this storied vocation, keeping alive the charm and unique character of street-level journalism, even as fewer and fewer, if any, follow in his footsteps. As the last newspaper hawker in France, Ali Akbar embodies a living history, holding tightly to a profession that speaks volumes of the past and serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-changing landscape of news consumption.
In the heart of St.-Germain-des-Prés, a vibrant district in Paris teeming with literary cafes and upscale boutiques, the streets resonate with the joyful call of Ali Akbar, a man who has defined the art of newspaper hawking in the French capital. Known for his infectious smile and ever-present humor, Akbar has dedicated more than five decades of his life to selling newspapers, proudly waving his colorful stack and proclaiming “Ça y est!” or “That’s it!”
Originally hailing from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Akbar's journey began in 1974, and he has since become a beloved figure among Parisians as well as numerous dignitaries. His knack for storytelling often captivates onlookers, sometimes prompting him to weave whimsical tales into his pitches, like, “Ça y est! The war is over, Putin asks forgiveness!”— a statement that inspires laughter amid somber current events.
As he navigates the bustling cafe culture, including famous establishments such as the Café de Flore and Brasserie Lipp, Akbar represents a bygone era. The profession of newspaper hawking thrived in Paris decades ago, particularly during the period of early cinema in the 1960s when iconic images of people like Jean Seberg holding newspapers were immortalized.
Back in the day, the portrayal of newspaper hawkers played a pivotal role in French cinema, as seen in Jean-Luc Godard's “Breathless.” The film captures the essence of this youthful enterprise, though today, newspaper sales struggle against digital ascent, pushing traditional vendors like Akbar to the fringes.
However, resilience defines Akbar's spirit as he continues this storied vocation, keeping alive the charm and unique character of street-level journalism, even as fewer and fewer, if any, follow in his footsteps. As the last newspaper hawker in France, Ali Akbar embodies a living history, holding tightly to a profession that speaks volumes of the past and serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-changing landscape of news consumption.
