Abandoned Baghdad residence of Agatha Christie deteriorates on Tigris banks

Agatha Christie’s former home in Baghdad, a heritage property on the banks of the Tigris River, is now abandoned and falling apart, Iraq’s culture ministry says.

Why is the house in ruins?

It has been left to decay for about a century, remaining padlocked and literally falling down, according to NPR.

What is the house’s historical significance?

The house was Christie’s residence during dozens of trips to Iraq, including the 1930 visit when she met archaeologist husband Max Mallowan, and it inspired novels such as They Came to Baghdad and Murder in Mesopotamia, NPR reported.

Is there any plan to restore it?

The culture ministry says the Iraqi government will make the property available to anyone who can restore it, yet the building still shows neglect, with a $200 electricity bill stuffed into a door hole as evidence of recent unpaid bills, NPR noted.