Crime Festival at Pera Palace, Istanbul

Joining the 125th anniversary celebrations of Agatha Christie this month is Black Week, a crime festival taking place at Pera Palace in Istanbul. Between the 22nd October - 24th October, Black Week will offer crime fiction fans the opportunity to join panel discussions with international authors and Agatha Christie's grandson Mathew Prichard, as well as taking part in murder mystery themed nights.

Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah was first opened in 1892 to serve guests from the Orient Express on their journey from Europe to Asia. Agatha Christie was one of the visitors to stay at the hotel during her journey on the Orient Express, later drawing inspiration from the train to write The Murder on the Orient Express. Rumour has it that this novel was first penned by Christie in room 411 at Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah during her stay; this room was later named the Agatha Christie room.

Kara Hafta (Black Week) is a three day celebration of crime fiction in honour of Agatha Christie's 125th anniversary. Participants include Turkey's popular detective and mystery writer Ahmed Umit, international writers including Leslie Klinger, Alexander McCall Smith, Roberto Costantini and Mario Mendoza, and Agatha Christie's grandson Mathew Prichard.

For more information visit www.blackweekturkey.com