This paper reveals the attitude towards devshirme within Croatian and Bosnian historiography, while emphasizing the general attitude towards Ottoman culture. The opening chapters outline the general features of devshirme, from the necessary predispositions of the boys to the technical elements of the whole process, as it recognizes the importance of devshirme for the maintenance and development of the Ottoman military and administrative structure. The following chapters present the approach to devshirme in the historiographies of Croatian and Bosnian authors comparing them to the monographs of the foreign authors, including the analysis of the phrase "blood tax" which is considered a generally accepted synonym for devshirme. The stereotypes surrounding devshirme are questioned through its presentation in the textbooks of primary and secondary schools used in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Taking into account the large number of textbooks whose authors have different approaches to the problem of devshirme, a duality of attitudes surrounding devshirme can be noticed, which are highly visible in literary works as well. The paper analyzes the representation of devshirme and the stance towards the Ottomans in the novels Na Drini ćuprija by Ivo Andrić and Ezan by Ivana Šojat, which provide a direct insight into the mentioned duality of attitudes. In conclusion, the paper presents a number of findings, from historical facts to views highlighted in society, with an emphasis on concrete data, in order to achieve a balance towards subjective views which are result of a long lasting Ottoman rule over Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.