The so-called Djinn Block Tombs at Petra are unique in their design and purpose, standing out among the other rock-cut structures in the area. These monuments hold significant cultural importance in Nabataean history, and their exact role continues to be a subject of research and debate. About 400 meters from the visitor center, after passing through the gate towards Petra,

you walk along a wide valley called 'Bab Al Siq', where you can see remarkably unusual burial sites, including some of Petra's oldest. Four such block monuments exist in the Bab Al Siq area of Petra, carved out of the rocks on all four sides. The first monuments you encounter are three massive Djinn blocks, which are square monuments carved out of the rock. Two monuments have an interior burial chamber; a third has a grave on its top. Recent studies and excavations suggest that these may possibly be the earliest group of monumental tombs at Petra, likely dating from the 2nd century B.C.

The name 'djinn' is an Arabic term referring to wicked spirits, though there is no link between the name and the Nabataean sculptures. These monuments are also referred to as 'god blocks' because Nabataean gods were represented as stone blocks.