The Last Newspaper Hawker of Paris: A Living Legacy of the Streets

Sat Oct 18 2025 07:15:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Ali Akbar, the indomitable newspaper seller of Paris, carries on a nearly extinct trade with charm and humor, marking over five decades of dedication to his craft.

At 72, Ali Akbar is celebrated as the last newspaper hawker in Paris, charming residents and visitors with his lively salesmanship and catchphrase “Ça y est!” Despite the decline of print media, he continues to bring joy and a slice of nostalgia to the streets, reminiscent of a bygone era in the City of Light.

In the heart of Paris, among the historic cafés and fashionable shops of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Ali Akbar has become an unforgettable figure. This 72-year-old newspaper hawker has been selling papers on the streets since 1974, earning affection from locals and tourists alike with his cheerful presence and distinctive call, “Ça y est!” which means “That’s it!”

Hailing from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Akbar brings a playful energy to his trade, sometimes offering fictional headlines that provoke laughter. One recent humorous advertisement proclaimed, “Ça y est! The war is over, Putin asks forgiveness!” evoking a mix of giggles and solemn reflection from passersby.

From the Café de Flore to Brasserie Lipp, Akbar navigates a rapidly declining profession, as he is now seen as the last of his kind in France. Newspaper hawking thrived in Paris around 1960, symbolized by Jean Seberg’s scene in Jean-Luc Godard’s iconic film “Breathless,” where she can be seen calling out for the “New York Herald Tribune.” Yet, as print media continues its downward spiral, Akbar remains a vivid reminder of a lost art.

His unique blend of humor and resolve has made him beloved among Parisian residents, reflecting the city's rich tradition of street culture. As he shouts through the cobbled streets, his legacy as a dedicated newspaper seller preserves a piece of historical charm in an ever-evolving digital world.