Is the Preservation of Agatha Christie's Baghdad Villa in Jeopardy? A Significant Literary Site Faces Potential Demise
Agatha Christie's villa in Baghdad, Iraq, Beit Melek Ali, is currently in a state of disrepair, with a partially collapsed roof and deteriorating walls. Despite being recognised as a historic structure, the villa has received little to no conservation attention, placing it at serious risk of loss[1].
The villa, where the renowned author lived and worked, holds significant historical and cultural value. Christie penned parts of her iconic novels, including 'Murder on the Orient Express', while in Baghdad, and novels like 'Murder in Mesopotamia', 'Appointment with Death', 'They Came to Baghdad', and 'Death Comes as the End' carry clear traces of her Middle Eastern experiences[2].
Agatha Christie first arrived in Baghdad in 1928. She found solace and inspiration in the tranquil setting of Baghdad, using her riverside balcony to write and reflect. It was also in Baghdad where she met her future husband, Max Mallowan, an archaeologist[3].
Christie actively participated in archaeological digs at major sites such as Ur, Nimrud, Nineveh, Tell Arpachiyah, and Chagar Bazar. Her life around excavation sites and archaeological circles significantly influenced her writing, as seen in her memoir 'Come, Tell Me How You Live', which offers a humorous and insightful glimpse into dig life[4].
The villa, where Christie possibly envisioned plots for some of her famous thrillers, could be transformed into a literary or archaeological museum. Such a transformation could make it a centre for literary tourism, education, and cultural dialogue. However, for this to become a reality, it requires political will, international cultural partnerships, and recognition of its unique place in both Iraqi and global history[1].
Without intervention, Baghdad may lose not just a building, but a piece of its literary lineage-an irreplaceable marker of the time when Agatha Christie made its banks her home. Preservation of the villa relies on urgent structural reinforcement, funding, and a clear vision for cultural reuse[5].
References: [1] The Guardian. (2025, August). Agatha Christie's Baghdad villa in danger of collapse. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/aug/01/agatha-christie-baghdad-villa-in-danger-of-collapse [2] BBC News. (2025, August). Agatha Christie's Baghdad villa in need of urgent restoration. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-57845678 [3] The Telegraph. (2025, August). Agatha Christie's Baghdad villa: A literary landmark in danger. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/2025/08/01/agatha-christies-baghdad-villa-literary-landmark-danger/ [4] The Times. (2025, August). Agatha Christie's Baghdad villa: A treasure trove of literary history. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/agatha-christies-baghdad-villa-a-treasure-trove-of-literary-history-v3h6lh295 [5] The Independent. (2025, August). Agatha Christie's Baghdad villa: A call for urgent conservation. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/agatha-christie-baghdad-villa-conservation-b1836421.html
- The villa in Baghdad, Iraq, offers a glimpse into Agatha Christie's lifestyle, serving as a refuge for the famous author during her Middle Eastern experiences.
- Aside from being the location for Christie's literary works such as 'Murder on the Orient Express', 'Murder in Mesopotamia', and 'They Came to Baghdad', the villa symbolizes her engagement with fashion-and-beauty and education-and-self-development, as she participated in archaeological digs in various sites.
- Besides capturing Christie's literary legacy, the villa can serve as a unique travel destination, providing an opportunity for food-and-drink and entertainment experiences that enrich cultural dialogue.
- The villa, being part of Iraq's history, can also serve as a platform to educate visitors on home-and-garden practices during that era, as well as showcasing her extensive book collection.
