Ghaznavid Support of Arabic Poetry

In the fourth and fifth centuries (A.H.), Ghaznavid kings followed in the footsteps of their Sassanid predecessors. They were known for their encouragement of poets and were familiar with Arabic and understood it. Arabic was the written language of their government. Ghaznavid kings and princes understood Arabic poetry. They treated Arabic and Persian poets equally; therefore, many Arabic poems were composed in their praise. Viziers, government officials, and renowned families of that era also liked literature and encouraged literary men.