The purpose of this study was to investigate different aspects of teacher beliefs in Turkey in the case of chemistry education, including any differences existing between in-service and pre-service teachers. The results showed that both pre-service and in-service teachers in Turkey hold very traditional views when it comes to the teaching and learning of chemistry. These beliefs are characterised by high levels of teacher-centredness, a transmissionoriented understanding of learning, and a strong focus on pure subject-matter learning. On the other hand, the part of the study examining the nature of good education showed that both groups of teachers value more modern ideas when it comes to teaching and learning in general.