In the older section called Güresin forest Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) has been planted [2][page needed] and in the newer section called Turan Emeksiz, stone pine (Pinus pinea) and maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) have been planted [3][failed verification] along with a few other species (Güresin was the surname of Fehmi Güresin, the engineer in charge of the project back in 1939 and Turan Emeksiz was the name of a forestry engineering student killed in 1960).
[citation needed] During the ancient ages, Tarsus was a Mediterranean Sea port.
By the 6th century, the coastline had already been moved away and a small lagoon named Rhegma had been formed which obstructed the river flow in the rainy seasons and caused floods.
Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (reigned 527-565) had a channel constructed at the east of the city to facilitate easier flow.
The forest in addition to being a source of revenue, is now a popular picnic area for Tarsus citizens.