Destination Truth: Ghosts of Petra

One of my favorite paranormal/unexplained reality shows of all time is Destination Truth hosted by Joshua Gates. Gates and his crew visit places around the world such as King Tut’s Tomb, the Great Wall of China, Island of Dolls in Mexico, Eastern Island, etc. in search of hints and clues of paranormal activity and cryptozoological creatures such as the Lizard Man, leprechauns, Bhutan Yeti, and Bigfoot to name a few. All evidence collected during the night investigation are taken and distributed to independent experts located usually at museums or universities in the US where they are either debunked or confirmed unknown. Other experts such as the hosts of Ghost Hunters have been called in as well to help debunk evidence of the paranormal kind. There are currently five seasons, but the show has been put on hiatus since Josh is working on another show called Stranded. This information is as of 2013. No new information has been given as to if the show will return or not in the future.

When it comes to getting people hooked onto the series, there’s one episode I turn people too: “Ghosts of Petra.” It started with reports from excavation workers and guards of strange sounds coming from the buildings. They could hear voices, the sound of sword fights, and rocks being thrown at or around them throughout the night. Most fear to return or be alone on duty. Anybody that has been in Petra believe it to be work of the Djinn. Josh and his crew fly to Petra in this episode to uncover the truth of these mysterious encounters.

Djinn is the Arabic word for ghost and the word is found multiple times in the Qur’an. The local Jordanian expert in the show says Djinn inhabit old ruins, places, and homes. One can either feel the Djinn there or see a shadow of one. Some are shadows without heads as seen by one person in the show. “You know, like human but is not real. Sometimes…you have someone repeat your name. For example “Josh,” you look around, and you are alone. There is nobody around (Ghassan Salti).” The belief in Djinn is strongest amongst villagers and Bedouins. Bedouins are believed to be the descendants of the Nabataeans, who were the people that inhabited Petra before its abandonment in 663. Petra is only accessible through a passage known as the Siq. At the entrance of the Siq are Djinn blocks, set there as a dedication to the spirits many believe reside in the ancient city.

The investigation immediately takes off as strange happenings begin to occur once night sets on the ruins. I won’t spoil anything for you in case you might want to watch the episode for yourself, but I highly suggest it. The episode will leave you mesmerized.