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).[17] He is recorded as having a number of officers (quwwad) under his command, and they their own followers in turn.[18] 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.[19][20]