After five decades of selling newspapers, Akbar is recognized for preserving a unique cultural heritage amidst the digital age's decline of traditional media.
**France's Last Newspaper Hawker Honored by President Macron for Cultural Legacy**
**France's Last Newspaper Hawker Honored by President Macron for Cultural Legacy**
Ali Akbar, Paris's final newspaper hawker, receives the Order of Merit from President Macron, celebrating his lifelong dedication to newspaper sales.
In the heart of Paris's Left Bank, 72-year-old Ali Akbar has spent over 50 years as a newspaper hawker, making him not just a seller of newsprint but a poignant relic of a bygone era. To honor his remarkable contributions to France's cultural landscape, President Emmanuel Macron has decided to award him the prestigious Order of Merit, one of the nation’s highest distinctions.
Reflecting on his journey, Akbar notes the drastic changes in his profession: "When I started in 1973, there were 35 to 40 hawkers in Paris. Now, I am the only one left." The rise of digital media has posed challenges, leading to fewer customers willing to purchase newspapers. While Akbar once sold over 80 copies in mere hours, he now averages around 30, primarily taking his rounds through popular Saint-Germain cafés.
Despite dwindling sales, Akbar remains unfazed, motivated by the simple joy of the work. "I am a joyous person. I am free," he states, emphasizing his independence in a world growing increasingly digital. His charm and positivity have endeared him to locals, who regard him as a cherished figure in the community.
Originally hailing from Rawalpindi, Akbar journeyed to Europe in the late 1960s, eventually finding his place in Paris. Over the decades, he has formed connections with famous personalities, including President Macron, who once bought newspapers from him as a student.
Akbar reminisces about his past, recalling the vibrant culture of Saint-Germain, now diluted by tourism: "The atmosphere isn't the same. The soul has gone," he remarks with a laugh, juxtaposing nostalgia with the ongoing evolution of his beloved neighborhood. In a world that favors screens over street vendors, Ali Akbar's presence continues to symbolize a connection to a more personal era in journalism.
Reflecting on his journey, Akbar notes the drastic changes in his profession: "When I started in 1973, there were 35 to 40 hawkers in Paris. Now, I am the only one left." The rise of digital media has posed challenges, leading to fewer customers willing to purchase newspapers. While Akbar once sold over 80 copies in mere hours, he now averages around 30, primarily taking his rounds through popular Saint-Germain cafés.
Despite dwindling sales, Akbar remains unfazed, motivated by the simple joy of the work. "I am a joyous person. I am free," he states, emphasizing his independence in a world growing increasingly digital. His charm and positivity have endeared him to locals, who regard him as a cherished figure in the community.
Originally hailing from Rawalpindi, Akbar journeyed to Europe in the late 1960s, eventually finding his place in Paris. Over the decades, he has formed connections with famous personalities, including President Macron, who once bought newspapers from him as a student.
Akbar reminisces about his past, recalling the vibrant culture of Saint-Germain, now diluted by tourism: "The atmosphere isn't the same. The soul has gone," he remarks with a laugh, juxtaposing nostalgia with the ongoing evolution of his beloved neighborhood. In a world that favors screens over street vendors, Ali Akbar's presence continues to symbolize a connection to a more personal era in journalism.
