Ali Akbar, 72, stands as a beacon of nostalgia amidst the modern landscape of Paris, having dedicated over fifty years to hawking newspapers across the city. His signature call, “Ça y est!”—translating to “That’s it!”—can be heard ringing through the iconic streets of St.-Germain-des-Prés. This vibrant man, originally from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has not only sustained his trade in a market that has rapidly declined, but he also brings an element of whimsy to his sales approach, delighting customers with amusing fabrications such as “Ça y est! The war is over, Putin asks forgiveness!”
From the renowned Café de Flore to the illustrious Brasserie Lipp, where art and cuisine merge, Mr. Akbar’s presence signifies the end of an era in Paris newspaper sales. Indeed, he is hailed as possibly the last newspaper hawker in France, a role that reached its historical peak in the 1960s. Classic cinema—notably Jean-Luc Godard’s "Breathless"—portrayed this trade, encapsulating its allure when it caught the attention of international audiences and requested a longing for connection to culture and information.
Although times have shifted dramatically since those days, Ali Akbar remains undeterred. He embraces his role with humor and a passion for connecting with Parisians, all while preserving a cherished piece of the city's history. In a world ever-increasing in its digital focus, his vibrant presence serves as a reminder of the charm and persistence that once defined the art of newspaper hawking in Paris.
From the renowned Café de Flore to the illustrious Brasserie Lipp, where art and cuisine merge, Mr. Akbar’s presence signifies the end of an era in Paris newspaper sales. Indeed, he is hailed as possibly the last newspaper hawker in France, a role that reached its historical peak in the 1960s. Classic cinema—notably Jean-Luc Godard’s "Breathless"—portrayed this trade, encapsulating its allure when it caught the attention of international audiences and requested a longing for connection to culture and information.
Although times have shifted dramatically since those days, Ali Akbar remains undeterred. He embraces his role with humor and a passion for connecting with Parisians, all while preserving a cherished piece of the city's history. In a world ever-increasing in its digital focus, his vibrant presence serves as a reminder of the charm and persistence that once defined the art of newspaper hawking in Paris.
