The Ottoman culture and literature had a great influence on the culture and literature of the Bosniaks, because the Ottomans ruled these areas for over 400 years. In addition, Islamization brought with it the Arabic language, both orally and in writing. Therefore, many Bosniak writers at that time also wrote in this language. Nevertheless, Bosniak culture and literature have their own identity and characteristics, which are different from the Ottoman/Turkish.