Rauf Islamov was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and studied kamancha in the Asaf Zeynalli Music College and the Azerbaijan National Conservatory (2001-2005). Islamov also completed the master’s degree program of Azerbaijan State Arts University. He has been a member of the Alim Qasimov Ensemble since 1998, performing in leading concert halls and festivals around the world, and has been active with the Aga Khan Music Initiative as a lead participant in cross-cultural music.