For anyone interested this fare is slowly coming back. There is now availability from IST to Asia with fares as low as 980 euros. Not the 7xx of the past but we have to wait for ATH to becomes a year round destination again.
The fare is available past this summer season and wide body the whole way with relativity small connection times for the Winter season. A330 from IST to RUH (3h layover) RUH to KUL all lie-flat.