Dr. Joonas Maristo has a background in Arabic and Islamic studies as well as in Persian and Iranian studies. Dr. Maristo holds an MA degree (University Jean Moulin, Lyon) on Arabic modern literature. His doctoral dissertation (University of Helsinki) dealt with early Arabic and Persian historiography, and he is currently writing a book on the history of Islamic jurisprudence.
Prior to his current post, Dr. Maristo has worked as official Arabic-Finnish translator, teacher, lecturer and expert. Currently he serves on the board of PEN Finland, an international association promoting freedom of expression.
