This island lies in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam located downstream of the Nasser Lake and the Aswan dam though originally it was near the First Cataract of the Nile in Upper Egypt but due to the rapids near the area and repeated floods since 1902, it has shifted lower.
It has been an important town for the locals both Egyptians and Nubians since time immemorial as it was one of the burying-places of Osiris. It is home to many picturesque ruins and the famous Temple of Philae. Tourists visit this ancient town to soak in the old world charm of Egypt.