Abdullah (Murder in Mesopotamia)

In the novel Murder in Mesopotamia, Abdullah is a little boy who lives in the servant's quarters at the expedition house at Tell Yarimjah. One of his duties is to wash the pots which are brought back from the dig, which he does in the centre of the courtyard in the middle of the house.

On the afternoon of the murder, Abdullah is washing pots in the courtyard as usual, and David Emmott is overseeing his work. However, on one occasion when David is on the roof discussing pottery with Dr Leidner, Abdullah leaves his work and goes to sit with the other servants outside the archway. When Daid comes down, he angrily calls Abdullah back.

Portrayals
In the ITV 2001 TV adapatation of the novel, Abdullah is portrayed by Ramzi Brari. His involvement in the plot is very similar to that described in the book, except that David Emmott is not cast and his role here is taken over by Father Lavigny.