During al-Mu'tasim's reign (833–842), Ashinas was, along with Itakh and al-Afshin, the prince of Usrushana, one the most prominent men in the caliphate.[12] Already in 834, he had been named governor of Egypt, a position held by al-Mu'tasim before his accession.[13] As with his other provincial governorates later in his career, Ashinas did not govern directly, but appointed deputies as governors, while he remained in Iraq.[14][15] During his 11 years as nominal governor in Egypt, Ashinas appointed four deputies to govern in his place.[16]