Ayaz Salayev was born in Baku. 

He studied at the Faculty of Cinematography of the All-Union State Institute of Cinematography (1977-1982). While studying at the postgraduate course of the UDKI, he taught the subject “Modern Film” (1986-1988).

He is the author of about 200 television programs on the history of world cinema (“Retro” - 1979-1985, “Anlam” - 1998-2000).

He worked as an editor at the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences and “Azerbaijanfilm” (1983-1985, 2020), and at “Internews-Azerbaijan”.

The film “Bat” was awarded the Grand Prix (Angers / France) and other prestigious awards at the International European Film Festival.

He starred in the German-Russian film “Muhajir” (2010, directed by Yevgeny Epstein).

He teaches at the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts.

He is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Azerbaijan Film Directors Guild.

He is an Honored Artist (2000). He was awarded the Progress Medal (2023).