Haji Ismayilov was born in Baku. He studied at the Drama and Film Acting Department of the Azerbaijan State Theater Institute (1963-1967). As a student, he performed in the role of Mammadali bey in the play “Sevil” at the opening of the Yerevan Azerbaijan State Theater. In 1967, he began working at the Department of Stage Speech of the Azerbaijan State Theater Institute. He worked at the Sumgayit State Drama Theater (1968-1969). Since 1970, he has been an actor of the Academic National Drama Theater.
He has starred in the films “Waltz of the Golden Calfs” (1992, directors Murad Ibrahimbeyov, Rustam Ibrahimbeyov / Russia, in the role of Gulsatan), “Should I Send a Messenger?” (1998, director Valery Chikov / Russia), “Weapon” (2008, director Alexander Kasatkin / Russia), “The Bra” (2018, director Veit Helmer / Germany) made by foreign film producers.
He was awarded the State Prize for his role as Mustafa in the film "Birthday" (1980). Honored Artist (1989), People's Artist (2000). Awarded the Order of "Glory" (Shohrat) (2019).

Since 2014, he has been the Deputy Chairman of the Union of Theater Workers of Azerbaijan for Creativity, and since 2024, its Chairman.