When al-Mu'tasim founded Samarra as his new capital and residence in 836, Ashinas along with the other Turks received allotments in the western side of the new city, known as al-Karkh. There Ashinas built his own palace (Dar Ashinas). He is recorded as having a number of officers ("quwwad") under his command, and they their own followers in turn. During the Amorium campaign of 838, he led the vanguard of the army, and was one of the chief commanders during the siege of the city.