Ali Akbar, Paris's Enduring Newspaper Vendor, Honored as Knight of the National Order of Merit
Ali Akbar, a dedicated newspaper vendor who has served Paris for over 50 years, has been bestowed with one of France's highest honors: being named a knight in the National Order of Merit. French President Emmanuel Macron personally presented the prestigious award at the Élysée Palace in late January.
A Legacy of Service in the 6th Arrondissement
Akbar, a Pakistani-born hawker, has diligently made his daily rounds on his bicycle, distributing newspapers such as Le Monde and Libération throughout the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris's 6th arrondissement. His impressive clientele over the decades has included local residents, renowned intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre, and even former visiting presidents such as Bill Clinton.
President Macron lauded Akbar, referring to him affectionately as "the accent of the 6th arrondissement" and "the voice of the French press."
Akbar is widely believed to be the last newspaper hawker in Paris, a profession that has drastically diminished with the advent of the internet and the decline in print journalism sales. He continues his tradition of delivering headlines by hand in a city where most people now access their news instantly on their phones.
A Personal Journey of Dedication and Resilience
At 73 years old, Ali Akbar maintains an extraordinary work ethic, laboring seven days a week, 10 hours a day. Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, as the eldest of 10 children, his initial ambition was to earn sufficient funds to build a house for his mother—a dream he proudly realized later in life.
He embarked on his journey before his 18th birthday, gaining work experience in Greece and the Netherlands before finally arriving in Paris in 1973. An Argentinian friend suggested he take up selling newspapers in the vibrant Latin Quarter. Akbar embraced the demanding work, despite his initial surprise at the irreverence of French satirical weeklies compared to publications in his home country.
During his early years, he faced periods of homelessness, a sacrifice made to save money for his family back home. He eventually established a life in a Paris suburb with his wife, Aziza, and together they raised five sons. His 2005 memoir, "I Make the World Laugh, but the World Makes Me Cry," offers a poignant account of his personal struggles and triumphs.
Community Esteem and the Future of a Profession
The recent honor has brought Ali Akbar widespread recognition, with strangers frequently stopping him to offer congratulations. His son, Shamshad Akbar, expressed that receiving the medal has brought a profound sense of healing to their family.
Longtime customers, like Michel Mimran, emphasize the invaluable daily human connection and sense of community Akbar provides through his service.
Akbar currently earns approximately 60 euros daily from selling papers, a modest income for his efforts. He has consistently expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities France has afforded him. Despite his age and years of service, Akbar has stated his firm intention to continue his work, with no plans to stop soon. When he eventually retires, it is widely anticipated that the profession of newspaper hawker will cease to exist in Paris.