A decaying building on the banks of the Tigris River in Baghdad is identified by Iraq’s culture ministry as the former residence of renowned English mystery writer Agatha Christie. Fittingly, this abandoned property presents its own mystery regarding why it has been allowed to deteriorate over the past century.
Agatha Christie’s History in Iraq
Agatha Christie traveled to Iraq numerous times during her life. On one of these trips in 1930, she met her husband, the archaeologist Max Mallowan. Her experiences and surroundings in the country inspired several of her works, including They Came to Baghdad and Murder in Mesopotamia.
Government Stance and Current Condition
The house is classified as a heritage property under the control of Iraq’s culture ministry. According to the Iraqi government, authorities are prepared to grant access to the building for any entity willing to undertake its restoration. Currently, the structure remains padlocked and is in a severe state of physical decay.
A visit to the site revealed an electricity bill totaling $200 wedged into a hole in the door, suggesting a history of accumulated unpaid utility charges from more recent years.
