Petra Marieke Sijpesteijn (born 2 February 1971, Naarden)[1] is Professor of Arabic at Leiden University.
Sijpesteijn graduated in History in 1996 with the thesis Crisis, Continuity or a Turning Point?
By deciphering Arabic papyri, she wants to contribute to adjusting the static image of Islam used in contemporary discussions.
Juynboll Foundation, the Oriental Institute and the editorial board of the Journal of Ancient History.
[8] In February 2025, she was elected member of the Koninklijke Hollandsche Maatschappij der Wetenschappen (Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities).