Locals and activists in Iraq's capital of Baghdad have called for authorities to protect and preserve the historic home where renowned English author, Agatha Christie, once lived for around 13 years.
"It's [the home] beautiful, but the upper level is collapsing. It's dangerous," a resident and activist told The New Arab.
The home, now dilapidated, has been in a dire state for months. In May, local media reported that the impressive Ottoman-era structure was at risk of collapse.
Currently, the two-story home is unliveable, with the ceiling having largely fallen through, the arched windows in ruin, and the wooden balcony falling apart. The home has been graffitied with Arabic signs reading "warning" and "risk of collapse".
Christie, who authored 66 novels and 14 short story collections, had fond memories in both Iraq and Syria. She even spent time in Cairo in 1910, where she would attend parties and was briefly engaged.
Christie's time spent in Iraq was with the British archaeological mission in Nineveh, while some biographers say that her experience in the country had a significant influence on her work.
Christie's husband, Sir Max Mallowan, lived in the home with her during their tours around the Middle East in the mid-20th century. One of the author's books, titled "They Came to Baghdad," contains references to the home.
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