With Fethullah Gülen, an exiled, progressive Turkish cleric who lives in Pennsylvania, in the news after the failed coup against the Turkish government, Idaho EdNews reporter Kevin Richert reminds us today that back in 2011, 13 Idaho legislators toured Turkey as guests of the Pacifica Institute, which is tied to Gülen’s Hizmet Movement, which focuses on education, interfaith dialogue and public service. The lawmakers had to pay their own way halfway across the globe, but once they got to Turkey, their accommodations, meals and travels were paid for by the non-profit Pacifica Institute. The group said its mission was “to develop social capital — the creation and extension of positive connections within and between disparate social networks.”

The lawmakers toured Turkish schools and universities, and met with political, education and business leaders. Among those who went was Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, now a candidate for the Idaho Supreme Court. Richert writes that the group included lawmakers from both houses and both parties.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blamed Gülen for orchestrating the failed coup; Gülen has denied any involvement and accused Erdogan of staging the coup as a ploy to consolidate his power. Richert’s full report, including a full list of the lawmakers who went on the Turkey trip, is online here.