At the age of 72, Ali Akbar continues to make his rounds amidst the cafés of St. Germain-des-Prés, echoing his signature phrase “Ça y est!” as he sells newspapers and shares whimsical stories with a smile.
The Last Newspaper Hawker of Paris: A Living Tradition
The Last Newspaper Hawker of Paris: A Living Tradition
Ali Akbar, the iconic newspaper seller of Paris, has charmed residents and celebrities alike with his enthusiasm and wit for over fifty years.
In the bustling streets of St. Germain-des-Prés, amidst artistic cafés and stylish boutiques, one man stands out as a beacon of nostalgia and tradition. Ali Akbar, who hails from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has devoted over half a century to the art of newspaper hawking. Known for his cheerful demeanor, he strides through the charming cobblestone streets brandishing a stack of newspapers, often punctuating his sales pitch with his distinctive exclamation, “Ça y est!” meaning "That's it!"
At 72 years old, Akbar is believed to be the last of his kind in France, a remnant of a bygone era when newspaper hawking thrived as a profession. His unique storytelling talent adds a twist to his sales technique, as he sometimes dares to fabricate humorous tales to attract attention. Recently, he declared with jest, “Ça y est! The war is over, Putin asks forgiveness!” eliciting laughter from passersby.
Mr. Akbar’s routine takes him from renowned establishments like the Café de Flore to Brasserie Lipp, where culture and culinary delights converge. He represents not just a vendor but a living connection to Paris's vibrant history, reminiscent of the golden age depicted in Jean-Luc Godard’s celebrated film "Breathless," which showcased the charm of newspaper hawkers.
Although the landscape of news consumption has dramatically shifted since that time, with digital media commanding attention, Ali Akbar stubbornly holds onto his role, embodying the spirit of a collective memory anchored in the streets of Paris. With every "Ça y est!" he calls out, he invites Parisians to not only buy a newspaper but also to engage with the rich tapestry of stories and history that these papers once represented. As he continues his journey, Mr. Akbar remains a beloved figure in the city, a true testament to perseverance in a rapidly changing world.
