A 72-year-old newspaper hawker from Paris, Ali Akbar, receives the prestigious Order of Merit, highlighting his enduring role in French culture amidst the digital shift.
France's Last Newspaper Hawker Honored with Order of Merit by President Macron
France's Last Newspaper Hawker Honored with Order of Merit by President Macron
Ali Akbar, a beloved figure in Paris, receives national recognition for over five decades of service
In a heartfelt gesture, President Emmanuel Macron is set to honor Ali Akbar, the last remaining newspaper hawker in France, with the Order of Merit next month. Akbar, who began selling newspapers on the Left Bank over 50 years ago, is a nostalgic symbol of a bygone era in journalism and public life. Reflecting on his unique journey, the 72-year-old shared that when he started in 1973, there were up to 40 hawkers in Paris. Today, he stands alone in a profession that has diminished largely due to the rise of digital media.
"I am a joyous person. And I am free," Akbar states, encapsulating his love for the job. Despite selling only about 30 copies of *Le Monde* each day—compared to the 80 he sold in the past—he insists that his passion remains steadfast. Known and cherished by locals, many recall the vibrant atmosphere of the Left Bank during his early years, filled with vibrant conversations and cultural exchanges that, according to Akbar, have dramatically faded into emptiness searching for tourists.
Born in Rawalpindi, Akbar’s journey to Europe began in the late 1960s. After working in Amsterdam, he arrived in Paris by way of a cruise liner in the 1970s. He recalls fond moments from his youth, including a chance meeting with Elton John. Over the decades, Akbar has encountered numerous prominent figures and has become a part of the very fabric of Saint-Germain.
However, as he reminisces about a time filled with artistic vitality, he expresses nostalgia for a past that feels increasingly distant. "Back then, there were publishers and writers everywhere," he laments. Now, the area seems dominated by tourists, leaving a void that Akbar feels deeply.
Despite the challenges he faces in modern times, Akbar’s spirit exemplifies resilience and joy in a changing world. His upcoming recognition from President Macron serves not only as an acknowledgment of his personal journey but as a tribute to the memories of a vibrant cultural landscape that shaped Paris.
