Abdulla Ismayil oghlu Garayev graduated in 1930 from the Department of Natural Sciences at the Pedagogical Faculty of Azerbaijan State University (now Baku State University). After completing his education, he began his career at the university’s Department of Human and Animal Physiology.
In 1938, A. Garayev was appointed head of a laboratory established under the Institute of Resortology and Physical Methods of Treatment. The laboratory conducted experimental and clinical research on the therapeutic effects of Naftalan oil, which is unique in the world, as well as Azerbaijan’s healing mineral waters (such as Badamly, Istisu, Turshsu, etc.) and preparations made from medicinal plants on the human body.
On February 2, 1968, by the decision of the Collegium of the State Committee for Science and Technology under the USSR Council of Ministers, the Institute of Physiology of the Azerbaijan SSR Academy of Sciences was established based on the “Physiology” division. This was the result of the hard work and dedication of academician Abdulla Garayev, who was appointed as the institute’s first director. Today, this scientific institution bears the name of academician A.İ. Garayev.